Union Gospel Mission feeds thousands in Downtown Eastside for annual Easter meal – BC | 24CA News
Thousands of Vancouver neighborhood members have been fed a scrumptious Easter meal on Saturday within the Downtown Eastside.
The free meal was cooked by the Union Gospel Mission — its thirty third annual Easter meal.
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Staff on the nonprofit mentioned this yr’s meal was particularly essential amid unrest within the neighbourhood, as the town, province and police have been dismantling tents and constructions on East Hastings Street over the previous few days.
“We know how particularly difficult things have been for many of our community members,” mentioned Dean Kurpjuweit, UGM’s president.
“During this week’s Decampment on East Hastings, everybody misplaced. Some people misplaced all of their belongings and a few misplaced religion within the system. For many Metro Vancouverites, the query of tips on how to greatest stroll alongside those that are probably the most impacted by our ongoing housing disaster stays unanswered.
“We know this Easter meal isn’t a magic solution to getting everyone who needs housing – housed, but during times of instability safe spaces are crucial for communities to gather.”
More than 1,600 kilos of ham, 700 kilos of potatoes and 700 kilos of greens was cooked and handed out.
More than 2,500 folks have been fed a nourishing Easter meal on Saturday, with a lineup that went across the block.
“We aren’t going anywhere, and will always do our best for those who may be struggling the most,” mentioned Kurpjuweit.
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