Downtown Eastside Street Store gives back to those in need for the holidays
For Christina Wong, the holiday season is all about making sure individuals in need feel appreciated.
The SFU alumni will be organizing and hosting the Street Store for the fourth year in a row on Sunday, December 17, in order to give back to the homeless living in the Downtown Eastside.
The Street Store is the world’s first free pop-up clothing store, where individuals in need have the opportunity to find gently used clothing items, accessories, and shoes they want and like.
The idea began in Cape Town, South Africa, in order to allow homeless people to have a sense of dignity by giving them the chance to choose clothing items that they want and need.
The Street Store has since spread to over 120 cities around the world, including Vancouver.
Wong hosted her first Street Store in 2014, and it was a huge success. Last year’s Street Store brought in over 5000 donations, 50 volunteers, and 500+ shoppers. This year, the Street Store Vancouver is expected to be bigger and better with barber services and music.
The one-day pop-up shop has become a tradition for Wong who is inspired continuously by the individuals she meets at the yearly event.
“Building community and uniting people together from different walks of life is something that drives me to continue hosting my annual Street Stores. Something really special and memorable is when the Street Store brings together individuals who are volunteering for the first time and change their perspectives on homelessness following the event,” Wong told Daily Hive.
Wong is partnering up with the following organizations to make this year’s event even bigger and better:
- DTES Street Market
- UBC HOPE
- SFU Students for Humanity
- Strathcona Youth
- Alpine Credits
- Z95.3FM Radio
- Lumen Society
- Procreation Design Works
- Young Women in Business Vancouver
- PERIOD. UBC
- Frontrvnners Streetwear
If you want to help, Wong is looking for the following high priority donations:
- Backpacks
- Socks
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Warm outwear for both male + female
In addition to these items, Wong is also accepting the below:
- Unused toiletries or hygiene products
- Gently worn clothing (for men, women, and children)
- Gently worn shoes
- Accessories
- Books
- Toys
- Clothing racks
Please note the only clean and hygienic items are accepted as Wong and her team want individuals to have a dignified shopping experience.
The Street Store Vancouver 4.0
Where: 62 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
When: Sunday, December 17 from 10 am to 4 pm
If you want to volunteer or donate: Contact [email protected]
See also
Follow Channels and Categories