Vancouver, BC — The Downtown Eastside may not always be synonymous with family-friendly activities, but on Saturday July 20, Oppenheimer Park will be a family destination for the community as Union Gospel Mission hosts its 15th annual summer BBQ, complete with a kid’s mini-carnival. Wheelchair repair will be on hand for those that need it, while kids enjoy a bouncy castle, face painting, water fights, a myriad of games, and of course, cotton candy. A DJ will mix up the tunes to set the summer mood.
This year’s summer BBQ is made possible by local business, Concert Properties. They have partnered with UGM for the first time to provide the funds all the supplies as well as 100 engaged volunteers to help run the event. Together, the groups will serve 6,000 BBQ meals and help make summer memorable for so many who struggle day to day.
“We are fortunate to have employees that embrace our values and are willing to donate their time,” says Brian McCauley, president of Concert Properties. “This very worthwhile event for the residents of the Downtown Eastside is one of the most important initiatives we could be part of.”
Concert isn’t new to community involvement. During the company's 25 years, Concert has donated funds for community gardens and parks, held pancake breakfasts for area residents, built homes for Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered for several non-profit building projects.
"So much of what UGM offers it isn’t actually about the meal, but it’s where everything starts,” explains Bruce Curtiss, Senior Chaplain. “This event gives us a chance to provide respite and practical care to those in need, and to build a relationship of trust and community.
THE BREAKDOWN
The Menu
- 6000 chicken burgers
- 6000 smokies
- 1500 lbs coleslaw
- 1500 lbs pasta salad
- 1000 lbs pickles
- 6000 cans of pop
- 6000 Freezies
Kids’ Zone - The Children’s area will include:
- Bouncy castle,
- Cotton candy machine
- Face painting station
- Balloon animals
- Carnival,
- Arts and crafts
- Water fight area
- Other games
BBQ Details
When: Saturday, July 20
Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Oppenheimer Park (Cordova Street between Dunlevy and Jackson)
Media Contact
Keela Keeping, Senior PR Specialis
Office: (604) 215-5445 ext. 359
Cell: (604) 996-1417
keela.keeping@ugm.ca
Twitter: @UGM
Union Gospel Mission has been feeding hope and changing the lives of men, women, and children for over 70 years. Through its 7 locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission, UGM provides counseling, education, safe housing, and alcohol and drug recovery to those struggling with poverty, homelessness, and addiction. The heart of the mission is to demonstrate God’s transforming love, ease the burden of the most vulnerable, rebuild the lives of the broken, and offer dignity to those who feel cast aside. To find out more, visit www.ugm.ca.