Support for First United Church in Vancouver
Exceeded Their Original Goal by 300%

Coldest Night of the Year is a national fundraising walk to raise awareness and funds for charities that support people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.  First United Church in Vancouver participated this year.  According to their website, the support they received far exceeded their expectations.

25 teams rallied and recruited 149 walkers to trek 2 or 5 kilometers in the cold, all in support of one thing: our mission to provide advocacy, survival-supports, and sanctuary in the heart of the city. These outstanding leaders went above and beyond: collectively, they gathered support from 1,040 donors who contributed $79,767. They exceeded our original goal of $20,000 by 300%!

Rev. Dr. Carment Lansdowne, Executive Director of First United, writes

We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from individuals, businesses, and communities of faith who believe in our mission so fiercely. Their collective efforts resulted in raising $79,252 for our work—almost 300% more than our original goal. We’re so grateful to our sponsors Strathcona Business Improvement Association and BC Housing for their ongoing commitment to support our neighbours experiencing extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside. Their leadership helps us provide survival-supports, advocacy, and sanctuary to those we serve.

For more information and to see a list of the teams, follow the link to First United Church’s post.