Contributed by Andrea Sebova, Student Services Manager, Greystone College
Donation boxes for Covenant House at Greystone College
Christmas is a time of tradition, and the spirit of the holidays is about giving.
This is an important time to consider others: to do what we can where we are. It’s about giving for “givings” sake. Giving is about recognizing individual responsibility and evoking the power of choice at all times. It’s the chance we give ourselves to bring out the best of humanity.
Join everyone at Greystone College this coming year as we collect clothes and food to give to Convenant House Vancouver, a local program we wholeheartedly support. Donation boxes will be at 560 Granville street, 3rd Floor all year round. We have chosen to support Coventent House to do what we can where we are. We truly feel that our continuous support makes a difference in the lives of young people in our community. Bring what you can (old clothes and food) and participate in serving others; be a friend to mankind.
Last year Greystone College raised $300 for Covenant House Vancouver, through creative fundraising. Students and staff supported pancake and muffin days, plus they donated clothes and food for their food bank.
What is Covenant House Vancouver?
Founded in 1997, Covenant House Vancouver offers youth ages 16-24 an opportunity to exit from life on the street. They make this possible through a carefully designed Continuum of Care including a daily drop-in centre, a 54 bed residential crisis shelter, transitional housing and life-skills training.
To give you an idea of what last year’s $300 donation did:
- Paid for 30 meals for the youth in our care, where one meal set per day (per youth) includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks
- Allowed the Youth Workers in our Drop-in Centre to make six significant contacts with young people accessing this program. This is often the first exposure they have to Covenant House’s programs and is a crucial trust-building time.
“The difference all of you are making in the lives of the youth we serve is seen on a daily basis: a young woman getting her first job; a young man overcoming an addiction, finishing high school and moving on to independence. We witness milestones both big and small every day by providing young people with the first chance they’ve never had. Thank you once again for your support. Your belief in the work we do helps us provide the welcome that so many homeless youth are desperate to find. I encourage you to call with any questions you may have or if you’d like to schedule a tour.”
~ Mark Savard , Development Officer – Community Giving, Covenant House
