Vancouverites experiencing financial struggles or homelessness can put their worries on pause this weekend and enjoy a hamburger at a free barbecue.
Thousands of people are expected to come together at Crab Park on Saturday for annual Summer Barbecue.
Last year鈥檚 UGM Summer BBQ. Photo: Andrew Taran/UGM
Up to 4,000 meals will be grilled for those who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness or low income. There will be hamburgers, smokies, coleslaw, pasta salad and freezies for all to enjoy.
The kids can also look forward to face painting, bouncy castles, and a mini-carnival of games.
Jeremy Hunka, from UGM, says the barbecue provides a chance for people to connect to long-term support services.
鈥淗omelessness and poverty don鈥檛 take holidays during the summer,鈥� says Hunka, who notes nearly 8 in 10 Downtown Eastside children grow up in poverty.
鈥淚n the midst of financial stress or worry, our Summer BBQ brings a moment of relief.鈥�
Last year鈥檚 UGM Summer BBQ. Photo: Andrew Taran/UGM
For 26-year-old Louise, a survivor of childhood trauma, victim of violence, and single mother, the barbecue is chance to celebrate summer and melt the stress away.
鈥淚 have a lot of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder,鈥� says the 麻豆传媒映画mother of two.
鈥淯GM鈥檚 Summer BBQ is a fun place for the kids to be. I feel safe.鈥�
Separated from her own mother at just three years old, Louise says creating special memories for her two children is crucial.
鈥淭he little things like this matter for families like mine,鈥� says Louise.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just a good day.鈥�
The get-together is the biggest event on the charity's calendar.
Up to 4,000 hamburgers will be grilled at the UGM Summer BBQ. Photo: Andrew Taran/UGM
UGM has been feeding hope and changing lives of men, women, youth, and children for more than 78 years.
The charity has seven locations across Metro 麻豆传媒映画and the city of Mission, which provide a number of services including meals, emergency shelter, clothing, education, safe housing and alcohol and drug recovery.
Event details:
DATE: Saturday, July 13
TIME: 11am鈥�4pm (Meals served from 11-3)
WHERE: Crab Park (Portside Park)
