|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Recent Activities |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Vancouver Police Department's winter-blanket initiative for the homeless, now in its 3rd year, today gained the enthusiastic support of the Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver). Members of the Vancouver Police Department, local media and city councillors Kerry Jang and Ellen Woodsworth gathered at the Lotus Light Temple this morning together with a team of charity volunteers. The mood was celebratory as the Lotus Light Charity Society presented 300 new sleeping bags to the Vancouver Police Department, to raise public awareness and support for their winter-blanket campaign. The VPD's Homelessness Coordinator, Constable Jodeyn Keller in expressing appreciation for the donation, stated, "It's crucial that we engage the homeless population, and to know that we are a part of the community with them. We want to build the trust with them so they can engage people like the Vancouver Police Department… using these sleeping bags are a sign of support in my eyes; so that we can sit and have a conversation with people living on the streets. That conversation can lead into bringing them into the shelters. That is fantastic news, and we will get that word out on the street today." "These sleeping bags will definitely be put to good use. We will be distributing them directly on the streets from our patrol cars," said Sergeant Colton, who predicted that all 300 sleeping bags would be distributed within 1 or 2 days due to the urgency and alarmingly cold weather this week (expected to be -12C by nightfall). Councillor Ellen Woodsworth praised the good works of the Lotus Light's efforts over the years in helping the community's neediest, noting the timeliness of the donation. Councillor Woodsworth made a heartfelt appeal for united efforts to achieve lasting, positive changes. "It is critical at this time for non-profits, as well as the private sector and governments all step up together to fund the shelters, to provide a long-term solution to housing… At a time like this, the heart transcends everything and I think that the heart says that we all have to be out there making sure people are warm, and have a place they can go in and overnight, and your society and many different organizations are stepping up." Also lending his public support was Councillor Kerry Jang, who commented, "By having Police distributing the sleeping bags to our homeless population -- that trust and relationship can grow. The number one thing is saving lives." Councillor Jang went on to announce the opening of 4 new temporary shelters today, providing a total of 160 beds over the winter season. "There still will be some people who will have no place to go, and these sleeping bags will provide much needed warmth." The Lotus Light Charity Society welcomes financial and in-kind donations for its 2010 Winter Charity Drive, now in its 15th year. Let's make a difference! Please help the homeless survive the bitter winter cold weather. Your support will bring comfort and benefit to thousands of low-income seniors, families and children in need over this winter season, as well as a number of homeless shelters in the Lower Mainland (including: YWCA Crabtree Corner, Carnegie Community Centre, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Fraserside Community Services Society, Franciscan Sisters Benevolent Society). In the spirit of its motto "Through caring and learning, we help to build a better tomorrow." Lotus Light Charity Society helps to educate its members and the public about the social value and importance of community charity work by initiating public projects (annually with rice donations to local Food Bank, winter charity drive, scholarship awards and free Tax Clinic Service) with other community members. For
further information, please contact:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
