PRESS RELEASE
February 10, 2019
Earlier this weekend, the Arctic winds hit Metro Vancouver, bringing in a snowfall warning with an expectation of 10cm of snow. As temperatures dipped below zero and the heavy snowfall began, many returned to the comfort of their warm homes. However, many homeless Vancouver residents have no home to return to and instead are forced to wander the streets waiting for shelters to graciously open their doors to them.
On this cold, bitter day, Lotus Light volunteers hit the streets with care packages and donations from sponsors to offer some warmth to those vulnerable. All the volunteers were in good spirits and braced themselves against the snowfall as they tugged along trollies of items to be distributed. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, the care packages helped lift the spirits of the vulnerable population, bringing smiles to everyone’s face.
This donation was not possible without the help of numerous groups of people coming together to donate and pool in their efforts. The LLCS prepared care packages that included snacks, drinks, lip-balm, band-aids, wet wipes, scarves, gloves, and hand warmers. The LLCS was also able to distribute hot coffee donated by Starbucks (on Main Street), along with fresh bread from Terra Bread (at Olympic Village) and Bread Affair (on Granville Island).
Other Vancouverites also showed their care for the vulnerable street residents. A lady who drove by with her daughters happened to have two care packages prepared for people on the street; she offered the packages to volunteers for distribution with the intent of supporting our cause.
One homeless resident, who had been walking around all night to find a shelter, was extremely grateful for the hot coffee and warm food. Another resident sat beside a volunteer group and chatted with them while he finished his coffee and pastries.
After LLCS volunteers scouted their distribution route, they went to the intersection of Gore and Hastings to hand out remaining care packages and food items. Many residents came up to volunteers to request care packages and snacks that could help them get through the day; volunteers handed out these items and each resident showed their gratitude to the sponsors and LLCS volunteers who came to their aid. Without the assistance of volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual sponsors, this donation would not have been possible. The LLCS extends its gratitude to those who have shown their support towards our programs.
The Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver) is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in our local community. For further information on Lotus Light’s programs, please contact Lotus Light Charity Society (Vancouver), #200-357 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P3 by Tel: 605-685-5548 or by email: llcsvancouver@gmail.com.
