Hundreds of volunteer students giving back to Downtown Eastside community – BC | 24CA News
A non-profit group made up of a whole bunch of highschool college students has been supporting individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
It began very small, as a couple of years in the past a handful of scholars tried to make a distinction.
”Initially once we began we simply had round 5 volunteers, who would distributed 50 to 100 sandwiches,” mentioned Nick Zhang, Project Hastings’ cofounder.
The non-profit Project Hastings now has greater than 250 scholar volunteers, the vast majority of them nonetheless in highschool.
Since 2020, they’ve raised greater than $20,000 {dollars} and handed out near 25,000 meals.
“I have experienced first hand how young people can come together to create change,” mentioned Michelle Lin, a volunteer.
“Little actions can really make big changes.”
Read extra:
Hastings Street tent elimination first step in B.C.’s takeover of Downtown Eastside service
The metropolis is working to dismantle the tent encampments on East Hastings Street – so the group’s assistance is important to the group proper now.
Through fundraisers, donations, grants and assist from companies — they’re delivering, meals and different requirements.
“When we go down the streets to Hastings it’s a very comfortable environment,” mentioned Jeffrey Zheng, one other cofounder.
“Everyone is welcoming. Everyone has their own stories and that’s what we have to recognize, most importantly.”
Volunteering their free time on weekends, Pro-D days, and spring and summer season breaks — this rising crew is hoping to make a small distinction for individuals in want.
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