Distributing warm beverages to the homeless in Vancouver
Walking in the freezing cold last night made me realize how lucky I am to have a warm and dry bed to sleep in, warm clothes and an income. Many folks out there don’t have any of those. While I have seen a lot of conversation around finding shelters for the homeless and donating clothes (my good friend Rebecca wrote a list of places to donate blankets and other clothing in Vancouver), I haven’t seen much in terms of interim measures.
I thought that maybe I could get people to rally around offering warm beverages to people in need on the streets or at shelters. Asked on how I would operate the distribution, I really don’t have much of a clue. I’ve not had much time to give it thought, but I figure that at least I could get people to volunteer and maybe we could organize a Tweetup or something to distribute. Or as Mike suggested, maybe have people donate to the Salvation Army.
What I do NOT want to do is to drive all efforts to just ONE charity. There are many, many other very worthy charities out there and I’m not fond of always channeling resources and energy to just one. So, I’m looking for ways to help not only the Union Gospel Mission or Covenant House, but other places like WISH, etc.
I’m sure Vancouver is scrambling to find spaces to accommodate all the homeless people out there, and I’d like to help in any way I can. Thoughts, everyone? Do feel free to share this post widely.
Related posts:
- The @5days_Vancouver campaign for homeless/at risk youth
- Please help: Warm clothing for the homeless in Metro Vancouver
- Wednesday Link Love – Warm and Fuzzy Y’All !
- Beautiful Vancouver (when it’s warm)
This reminds me of the Salvation Army hot chocolate initiative that happened during Vancouver 2010 Olympics http://saolympics.com/post/414203691
Great idea! If you need any help, please let me know so I can see what I can do =)
For charity ideas, my Kwantlen PR class is fundraising for an organization called Small Talk, a centre for children with language-based learning difficulties. I wrote a little bit about it on my blog, http://prjustinne.wordpress.com/
Here’s the actual website: http://www.smalltalkbc.org
I hope this idea goes through…I can’t imagine how homeless people can stand the cold! They really need our help…
Maybe Ethical Bean for coffee… I know UGM has a mobile unit/van that goes around too. Maybe coordinate something at Oppenheimer Park?
Ironically, I just wrote a goofy post about us in Yellowknife having a food shortage, and then popped by your blog and you’re writing about the real thing. Thanks, as always, for caring and actually *doing* something, Raul.
nancy (aka money coach) recently posted..eek! Food and gas shortages in Yellowknife Send food!