Vancouver Tour Operator to Stuff its Bus with items for Homeless
A leading Vancouver tour operator will be collecting items for those who don’t normally feature on sightseeing tours. Landsea Tours & Adventures will, for the fifth year, run its Stuff the Bus drive – literally stuffing one of its buses to the ceiling with donated personal items to go to St. James Community Service Society’s emergency shelters and transitional housing. The campaign is happening throughout Homelessness Action Week, Oct. 10 to 16.
St. James – now in its 50th year – offers emergency, supported, and affordable housing to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Society particularly focuses on services to women and children, to those with mental illness and/or addictions, and to increasing numbers of older adults and seniors.
“We feel optimistic that we can collectively beat the problem of homelessness,” says St. James executive director Jonathan Oldman. “When members of the community come forward with fundraising initiatives like this, we know there can be a solution.”
The public is asked to donate specific items such as towels, toiletries, pajamas, umbrellas and backpacks. Cash donations are also being accepted. Donations will be picked up at businesses and households through prior arrangement.
“Homelessness continues to be a huge problem in our city,” says Kevin Pearce, Landsea president. “We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives of homeless people. We are pleased to continue to support the work of St. James Community Service Society, which is reaching out to the most marginalized within our community, including those with mental health problems and addictions.”
To have a household pick up of donated items, a complete list of items being accepted or where to drop off, please contact Landsea’s Kevin Pearce at 604-255-7272.
Background on the St. James Community Service Society
St. James Community Service Society has been a part of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside since 1961 and has a unique understanding of this diverse neighbourhood. St. James is an effective community organization with a long history of giving care and support to this city’s most marginalized and vulnerable people. We have transformed lives for a better future through the provision of women and children's emergency shelter and transitional housing, adult guardianship for seniors, supportive housing for those living with mental health issues, and hospice care for those with terminal illnesses.
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