Employ To Empower will host the 8th annual DTES Street Store on December 11th. This accessible outdoor event, presented by BC Housing, provides a dignified shopping experience for those experiencing homelessness.
Photo submitted
DTES Street Store at Oppenheimer Park
Held at Oppenheimer Park for the first time, the internationally recognized event will take place on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 400 Powell Street.
“Street Store is what we consider a reverse gala – our take on an event that raises awareness, addresses a need, and brings people together, but instead of dressing up ourselves, we dress the community,” said Christina Wong, Executive Director of Employ To Empower.
“We expect it to be the largest Street Store yet, providing a dignified holiday shopping experience where residents can pick what they want and need, at no cost. Last year we were limited by capacity, but this year we have a new location and less restrictions.”
At the 2020 event, the Street Store saw a significant increase in donations, collecting 552 bags which was nearly three times more than the previous year. While the surge in giving is welcomed, the community has expressed a need for more men’s items leading up to this year’s event — based on a discrepancy in donated items.
“We are so encouraged by the community’s support,” said Wong. “About 75% of the homeless population are men, however, there were more than double the donations for women at last year’s event. So we are asking for additional donations for men’s items.”
This year, the community has expressed a need for warm winter jackets, men’s and women’s clothing (specifically pants), men’s winter boots, backpacks, blankets, sleeping bags, winter accessories (hats, gloves, scarves), and toiletries in good condition. Summer clothes, children’s clothes, used undergarments, hotel-sized toiletries, books, and household items will not be accepted.
Item donations were collected in November and early December so at this time the DTES Street Store is asking for fund donations to help cover expenses for venue, event equipment, operation costs, and ETE programming.
Since 2014, the Street Store has made an impact in the community by working with nearly 500 volunteers, sharing 66,550 donations, and spreading holiday cheer to more than 6,360 residents. In addition to the shopping experience, the Street Store also offers free food, drinks, and haircuts.
This year, the power of community sponsors helped make the event a reality, thanks to presenting sponsor, BC Housing; gold sponsor, Royal Bank of Canada; silver sponsors, BC Rentals and RIF Moving Company; and bronze sponsors, Vancity and ANSA Custom Prints.
The 2021 event will include COVID-19 regulations, such as screening questions, mandatory masks, sanitation stations, clean donations, physical distancing, and PPEs.
Employ to Empower (ETE) is a registered charity, launched in 2018, that provides residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with access to development and entrepreneurial resources, such as affordable microloans and business mentorship, to have long-term positive impact on their personal and economic well being. ETE also actively advocates for positive social change in the DTES community.
The Polygon Gallery presents Steven Shearer, an expansive solo show on display from November 20, 2021 to February 13, 2022. This marks the first major national survey of the Vancouver artist’s work since 2007, when Shearer’s work was last shown in a solo exhibition in the city.
Private tours are available on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Admission: The Polygon admission is offered on a by-donation basis.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place.
The Polygon Gallery is proud to display this expansive exhibition. The exhibition marks the first major national survey of the Vancouver artist’s work since 2007, when Shearer’s work was last shown in a solo exhibition in the city. Shearer’s personal archive of more than 74,000 photographic and print materials, and its influence on his larger artistic practice will be showcased. A 19-volume self-published series of books will also be included in the exhibition. The Vancouver audience will be able to take a true comprehensive look at his recent work.
The Polygon is one of Canada’s most acclaimed photography and media art galleries. The Gallery moved into its Governor General’s Medal-winning building in 2017 after operating as Presentation House Gallery for 40 years. The organization has presented more than 300 exhibitions and earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most adventurous public art institutions. Admission is by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group.
All exhibitions are planned in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer’s most recent order, including capacity restrictions, social distancing, mandatory mask wearing, and sanitization of high-frequency touch points. Vaccine Cards are not required to view the exhibitions or visit the shop. A Vaccine Card is required to attend special events at The Polygon Gallery, for all visitors 12 and older. This includes guided tours and Kids First Saturdays.
SPUD, your local online grocery and organic produce delivery service, has some great holiday meal inspirations on their blog right now – like Delicious Minty Vegan Hot Chocolate, Biota Fermentation Carrot Cake, Vegan Oatnog Cookies, and everyone’s favourite Snack Boards. SPUD is also offering some inspiration with their new “The Night Before” boxes, where you can order delicious, local artisanal groceries and gifts with free, next day delivery.
Oat Nog recipe photo by SPUD
Holidays with SPUD Grocery Delivery
Send as a gift by adding your recipient’s address to your customer profile, or gift one (or two) to yourself. Here are some of The Night Before box options:
Cheese Plate – This selection of cheeses has traveled 1km to the warehouse, now that’s local!)
Sourdough – The La Baguette sourdough starter is a closely guarded secret. Originally cultured by their master baker from wild yeast in 1988, it is refreshed and renewed everyday
Shop those curated Snack Board options, or fill your grocery boxes with staples for Festive Feasts, snacks, and dinners. And if you forget, remember there’s still The Night Before option!
Giveaway
I have a $150 gift card code for SPUD to give away! Get the best and freshest of the season delivered right to your door. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Copy/paste the text below on Twitter for a bonus entry
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win $150 gift card for @SPUDVancouver groceries delivered right to your door http://ow.ly/Iqga50H4x08″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, December 10, 2021.
Giving Back
SPUD is Collecting Food Donations for Families Affected by BC Floods in Partnership with United Way. If you’re a current SPUD customer, you can make a donation by placing non-perishable food items into your SPUD bin for pickup by December 12th.
Soy/Almond beverage products (can be stored at room temperature)
SPUD drivers will pick up your donations when delivering your order and deliver them to the warehouse where they will be distributed to people who are struggling with access to food.
Give yourself (and loved ones) the gift of meaningful and fun experiences together this holiday season! I skipped last year but I’m happy to present my 6th annual list of Free Christmas Activities in Vancouver* with lights, activities, events, and more:
Free Christmas Activities in Vancouver
This list will be updated often throughout the season so be sure to bookmark it and check back regularly.
Christmas at Canada Place 34th annual Christmas at Canada Place from December 3, 2021 to January 2, 2022 with outdoor lights and displays along the waterfront
If you wish to receive this weekly/weekend event list right to your email inbox, please sign up for the new Miss604 Weekly Events Newsletter below. It will be sent once a week, only to those who opt-in.
* Please note that there may be costs associated with extra activities at these events and attractions, such as food/snacks, admission to other attractions or sites, etc. This post covers information available at the time of publishing and any posted signage or fees at these activities should be observed.
I love being a tourist in my hometown and when I recently posted about my visit to FlyOver Canada’s The Real Wild West ride flight on Instagram (on until December 8th), several people messaged me to say it’s one of their favourite attractions downtown! I have to say, after almost two years of the same — mostly staying home and watching movies on my iPad — this state of the art flight simulation ride really was a thrill. They have a few experiences on offer right now, so here’s what you can enjoy at FlyOver Canada this season including Soar with Santa and a Breakfast with Santa.
Soar with Santa at FlyOver Canada This Season
Where: FlyOver Canada, 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets:Advance bookings are recommended. Tickets for children are $10 off adult price (age 15 or under and at least 102 cm /40 inches tall).
Soar with Santa (December 9, 2021 through January 3, 2022) takes guests on a holiday adventure from coast to coast, and onward to the snow-dusted North Pole. Guests will have a memorable experience of soaring over dazzling landscapes with FlyOver Canada’s state-of-the-art technology – including special effects such as wind, mist and scents – to replicate the feeling of flying across the country. The attraction is ideal for families, couples or groups of friends, and can be gifted as a unique holiday experience. The cinematic flight ride is enhanced by festive refreshments and treats in The Flying Whale Cafe.
Hours for the season are Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 8:00pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00am to 9:00pm. From December 11th to January 3rd, special hours are 10:00am to 9:00pm, and open until 6:00pm on Christmas Eve December 24th.
Breakfast with Santa
When: December 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2021 at 8:00am to 9:00am; 9:30am to 10:30am
Head to FlyOver Canada for a morning of fun-filled flight, delicious food and a visit with Santa himself! Mingle with Kris Kringle at the Flying Whale Cafe while enjoying a breakfast buffet loaded with favourites, then take a trip over Canada and the North Pole aboard the flight ride, Soar with Santa. Cap off the festive morning with a souvenir photo, all included with admission.
There will be extensive health and safety protocols in place in accordance with provincial health regulations. This includes proof of vaccination passports for entry, (two vaccination doses required for guests 12+), in addition to mandatory mask usage.
