Vancouver’s UGM serving 3,000 Easter meals, in the hopes of offering a fresh start
Posted March 31, 2018 7:26 am.
Last Updated March 31, 2018 10:35 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An Easter tradition returns to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside today.
Three thousand Easter meals will be served at the Union Gospel Mission all day long.
The need is great and continues to grow, says Jeremy Hunka with the UGM. He adds that need is especially great among women.
“Lately, need among women and women with babies in our sanctuary has surged. It’s shot up in the month of March as compared to January and February,” he explains.
“We’re seeing more referrals from outside organizations, so maybe there’s greater awareness that the sanctuary exists and is being successful in helping women and women with babies. Also, the housing crisis and the cost of housing plays a role.”
Hunka says this winter has been a particularly bad one on the Downtown Eastside. But as Easter is supposed to signify renewal, he hopes today’s meal can renew the lives of those who attend the festivities.
“We know that a lot of people who come in will hopefully be able to be connected with our programs that can change their lives. That’s what this meal is about and we see it happen every day at UGM.”
Hunka admits a lot goes into serving up those meals. “Two thousand pounds of ham, 900 pounds of scalloped potatoes, nearly 300 litres of pineapple sauce, 600 apple pies, 400 litres of ice cream — the list goes on.”
Meals are being served at three locations — including the UGM’s main facility at Hastings Street and Princess Avenue.
