Each December we visit our most vulnerable clients, predominantly in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, to deliver holiday gift hampers, “GVCSS Care Packages”, as we call them. The care packages contain items that many are simply not able to afford: canned goods and other non-perishable food; mugs and packages of hot cocoa; items for warmth, such as socks, and gloves; and items for personal hygiene, including toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. Without the support of family members, these clients don’t receive help with these daily necessities, let alone presents over the holidays. They look forward to receiving their care packages every year, as for some, it is the only gift they will receive. Receiving a GVCSS care package is a deeply moving experience for them, and ensures that they too get to share in the festivities that many of us take for granted.
In past years, many local organizations have contributed donations in-kind to our care package initiative: Shoppers Drug Mart, Save on Foods, London Drugs, and the ClearView Group. These partnerships have proven to be a heartening opportunity for both community-minded businesses, and GVCSS, to give back to our most disadvantaged clients. This holiday season we are aiming to give out 400 care packages, our biggest distribution yet. We are looking for partners who wish to help us achieve our goal.
OR, give a charitable gift this holiday season:
To make a gift to our Care Packages program, please contact Laura Johnson at 604 714-3517 or ljohnson@gvcss.bc.ca, or you can make an online donation here.