FREE Vancouver holiday market next week is helping to change lives
The holiday season is in full swing, and it’s time to finish shopping for everyone on your list.
A new pop-up holiday market in Vancouver next week is ready to help you treat your loved ones to unique gifts while supporting the city’s burgeoning entrepreneurs.
Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market sponsored by Coast Capital Savings is happening on Friday, November 29, at the Heritage Hall on Main Street
The free event features creative gift ideas and giveaways and offers an opportunity to meet low-income entrepreneurs from around Vancouver.
View this post on Instagram
“Every entrepreneur in our program experiences low income along with multiple other barriers like mental health, disability, recovery from addictions, and chronic health challenges, to name a few,” said Charissa, community partnerships lead at Employ to Empower, to Daily Hive. “Entrepreneurship has been a way for them to enter the workforce on their own terms, not only for financial independence but to live a life of pride and purpose.
“This event features 18 entrepreneurs who have experienced and overcome multiple barriers to be here, and we are so excited for each of them to share their business with the broader community.”
Employ to Empower
Employ to Empower is a Vancouver charity that uses entrepreneurship to empower low-income communities to overcome barriers to employment. Over 40 people have taken its program since 2018, overcoming mental or physical health challenges, disability, and recovery from addiction, with an average completion rate of 87%.
The Make Change Market will showcase a wide variety of gift ideas, including artwork, fashion, and food items.
Make sure to arrive early, as the first 100 attendees to RSVP and attend will receive a free YVR tote (an event partner) and a BAK’D cookie.
You can also snap a pic in the photobooth, visit the community Activation led by MODUS, and enter to win raffle prizes from BETA5, Zaleska, Prado Cafe, Vancouver Christmas Market, and more.
Marco Ovies/Daily Hive
The full vendor list includes:
- Matthew IT Services
- Emergent Events
- Companionation
- BYOV Studio
- Blue Deer Jewelry
- Walking Stick Dude
- Scents of Creativity
- Gheelicious
- Chuck’s Art Emporium
- Deryana’s Art
- EnviroBag Evolution
- Fernanda Mascarenhas
- Blue Garden Apothecary
- Yvonne Mark
- Medicine Art
Employ to Empower
“Our entrepreneurs have worked tirelessly to prepare for this event, and we want to fill the market with the energy and encouragement they deserve,” added Vivian, marketing lead and circular economy lead at Employ to Empower. This event is happening on November 29 (the day before Small Business Saturday) in hopes that our community can come together to support local small businesses in our Vancouver community, especially leading up to the holiday season.
“We are grateful for our impact partners for making this market happen: Coast Capital Savings, CBC, BC Housing, BC Rentals, RBC, Purposefully, Houston Landscapes, SFU Vancity Office of Community Engagement, Vancity, YVR, and MODUS.”
Donations to support Employ to Empower‘s important initiatives can also be made online.
Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market
When: November 29, 2024
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free