With the holiday season right around the corner, Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is taking action to support unhoused youth, families in crisis, and survivors of violence through one of the most difficult times of the year. The non-profit’s annual Caring Neighbours campaign, running November 1 to December 31, encourages community members to pledge a gift to their neighbours in need – one that can empower youth, families and survivors to build a brighter tomorrow, starting today.
FSGV supports some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including marginalized homeless youth, high-risk victims of domestic violence, and survivors of extreme violence, abuse and neglect. Paired with the skyrocketing cost of living and record-high food insecurity, many people are finding themselves unable to meet their basic needs while also struggling mentally, emotionally and physically. Without a support network, these hardships can have devastating effects, leading to exploitation, substance use, and deep unravelling of self-worth.
Caring Neighbours was created to bring awareness to the inequities in our communities and encourage empathy and financial support from all community members. With assistance through donations and sponsorships, FSGV can continue offering crisis stabilization, counselling, and poverty reduction services to those who need it most. And, while Caring Neighbours is tied to the holiday season, its impact resounds throughout the year – think of it as a gift that keeps on giving, lifting youth and families out of crisis and equipping them with necessary resources to start their next chapter. This year, FSGV has set a fundraising goal of $250,000.
“The holiday season can be difficult for everyone, but imagine on top of that not knowing how you’ll pay your rent next month, feed your children, or afford critical medical prescriptions. Unfortunately, this is the reality for people we see every day,” said Maria Howard, CEO, Family Services of Greater Vancouver. “At FSGV, we provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed support that starts with the basics – food, housing and mental health. We build trust so we can help to stabilize unhoused youth, survivors of domestic violence, and families in crisis. Then, we empower people to start a new chapter. But, to do any of it, we need your help – and Caring Neighbours is a great place to start.”
This holiday season, give a gift that will help change someone’s life. Here are three ways you can be a caring neighbour:
- Double your impact with Amazon. Now through the end of 2024, Amazon – a presenting sponsor of Caring Neighbours – will match all donations raised through the Caring Neighbours campaign, up to $50,000. Make a donation online today and your gift will go twice as far!
- Purchase a Hot Chocolate Candle from World of LLA. The perfect gift or stocking stuffer, World of LLA’s Hot Chocolate Candle has an aroma of decadent hot chocolate with marshmallows on top. Even better – 50% of proceeds will support FSGV. World of LLA is a global self-care brand founded by 11-year-old entrepreneur Lily Harper, driven by her own challenging circumstances being bullied physically and emotionally at school.
- Fundraise with colleagues. Donate a portion of sales at your store, set up a donation drive, or collect cash donations to give back as a team. To learn more, contact giving@fsgv.ca.
For more information about FSGV and the Caring Neighbours campaign, visit www.fsgv.ca and sign up for FSGV’s e-newsletter.