Christmas in the Downtown Eastside

I would love to help.  I will collect and then I would like to help sort and box or bag as gifts. 

Thanks for your contributions!  The bagging of the packages will most likely occure on Dec. 22nd.  I will be intouch soon with more information.  Thank you so much for being interested!

Hi - do you still need toques (I can make simple fleece ones), and  chocolate treats?

How many do you still need of each? Let me know and I'll reply with a committed amount you can count on, and will deliver them in time for the packaging.

Linda Baker

Hi Linda!

I'm glad to hear responses from people.  We are still at 100 of each.  So whatever you are able to donate is appreciated... I will be doing a package countdown when stuff comes in so people know what is going to be needing attention!  Email me if you have any questions!

 Gab

Hi Gab,

Put me down for 25 pairs of socks. And thanks for the great work you do!

Yay!! I love when communities come together!

OK - I'll get fabric this week-end and get back to you when I know how many toques I can get made. Do you need scarves as well?

 I can donate at least 75 chocolate treat bags - each one will have about $2 worth of sold milk Callebaut chocolate pieces in them. 

Thanks for spearheading this.

 Linda Baker

Gab,

Do you need help on Christmas Eve? Do you know of organizations that do or where I can find out info?

Thanks,

Angela

Hi Linda... if you would like toadd some scarves in then that would be wonderful.. I'll tally up everything we have collected so far on Monday!  

Hey Angela, I would try checking out organizations in the DTES, you can try Triage, Women's Centre, WISH (runs out of First United Church Gore/Hastings), DEYAS Detox, Bridge Housing for Women, Covenant House, Salvation Army, Foodbank, The Mission, there are plenty more but here are the ones I can think of in the moment.  We will be packing our xmas packages on Dec. 22nd.  If you are interested in helping then that would be great.  It shouldn't take us very long!  

I've got 100 chocolate treat gift bags ready, (not 75 as earlier indicated). At the moment I"m working on 16 fleece toque/hats.  Once your tally is done and you know what else you need,and post it, I'll see what else I can get together.

Linda Baker

Hi, I have no experience volunteerin on the DTES, however, this year I am organizing my own baked goods collection from family and friends which I plan for me and my family to give away on Christmas Eve. So I will have lots of cookies etc to give away - - all wrapped in single servings - - - what is the best way to make sure these get into needy hands?

Also, if you need socks and gloves still, plet me know, I'll see if each peoson donating to my cause could add a pair of either to their baked goods.

Let me know how I can help you create change.

Tingaling

Gab,

I just saw this today after going out and buying supplies to fill 20 gift bags. 10 for women and 10 for men.. they contain everything from gloves to shampoo, candies, nail clippers.. all kinds of things. Would this be of help to what you are doing. They are already made up in gift bags or is there another group that you think would be more appropriate?

Wow!  I'm so excited!  There is a group of people I think that this would be perfect for... on the side, I am looking for these types of packs for around 20 some youth at the DEYAS Detox.  I think it would be extremely appropriate for them.  Again, If you drop them off at DEYAS (612 Main St.) Attn: Gab Laurence I will make sure to get them setup for the Youth in Detox over the xmas break.  Thanks, Auntym!

Hi!  Well one thing I can suggest is that I can meet up with you on xmas eve because I will be working on the DEYAS Van that night.  I can hand them out on my route.  Let me know if that would work or if you would like to hand them out yourself (whatever works best for you).  In terms of Gloves and socks we're still looking for some.  Keep em coming!
Gab 

Hi Gab,  Don't know if I'll get anywhere with this but I've contacted Unilever Canada for either donation or purchase discount on the vaseline and deoderant - -will let you know what I come up with.  

Tingaling 

I'll spring for socks or gloves, either actual or will support the purchase.  Let me know what is needed and whether you'd rather have cash or items.  Leave a msg at 604.709.6940.

Best, Catherine

I can supply about 55-60 polar fleece toques - and probably some scarves.  Can you , or do you know someone who can - use a small box of clothing: shirts, t-shirts, couple of light jackets, etc.?

Thanks

Linda Baker

Hello, so far I have collected: 30 pairs of wool socks, 18 deodorants and 6 tubs of vaseline - - plus countless cookies.  I haven not yet heard back form Unilver canada, but just sent them a reminder.  Will drop all this stuff off next week - - hopefully will be more by then.

Tingaling 

Gab, I just received a phone call from Unilever Canada 5 min. ago, they are going to try to deliver the vaseline tubes by Friday.  If I get them I'll personally deliver, you may e-mail me at khaugland@shaw.ca for more information or to give me an address.  Love it when the big companies give stuff away - - we make them enough money!  I'll also drop the socks & deoderant off at the same time - - I have 18 bars of deoderant and 30 pairs of wool socks - -15 womens and 15 mens.

Karen/ tingaling 

I've dropped off 100 backpacks (thanks to my generous friends and clients for donating to cover the cost!), 58 fleece hats, 20-something scarves, 100 chocolate treats.  tomorrow I deliver $200 worth of McDonald's gift certificates (thanks to an old school friend high up at McDonald's), plus 100 mandarins from Thrifty's.  Thanks for letting me be part of this - you guys ALL rock!

Linda Baker, Coquitlam

would love to read an update from you!