Orange Day by the Union Gospel Mission

From March 27th until April 10th the Union Gospel Mission wants to encourage you to get outside, explore Vancouver, your neighbourhood, and your local parks.

Photo credit: UGM on Flickr

Take a walk (instead of filling up the car with gas) and head to the market (in place of going out for that big fancy dinner) – save some pennies wherever you can throughout the next few weeks and with what you’ll be able to stockpile, the UGM is hoping you’ll consider donating to Orange Day (April 10th) – [in the spirit of Stay in and Help Us]

3,500 people will come to the UGM for an Easter dinner this year, here’s how far some change will get you: $0.32 (the price of an orange), $32.90 (10 full meals from UGM).

…Why all this talk about oranges? Well oranges are fresh, bright, fun, and juicy (the list could go on). But most importantly every one of UGM’s Easter Dinner guests gets an orange at the end of their meal. It is usually received with a smile. It’s a tangible reminder that its never too late for a fresh start. No matter how much time has passed on the streets or in an addiction, UGM’s doors are always open. With your help, fresh starts can be made this Easter.So go outside. Enjoy all your city has to offer and try to not spend any money and see how much you can squeeze for UGM.

A big part of Orange Day is sharing stories about what you’ve been getting up to as you head out about town to have fun and save those pennies, so please feel free to take photos and add them to the Orange Day group on Flickr or follow #orangeday updates on Twitter to check out or create a tweetup or two. My friend Laura used to go on themed photowalks she’d call a “colour safari”, it may be fun to do one with your friends for Orange Day.

Photo credit: UGM on Flickr

Have fun, share, and consider giving what you can to the UGM so that they can continue to help those in need in the Downtown Eastside this season. For ideas, check out my Park Series or feel free to suggest your own favourite/inexpensive destinations around town.