How a free Vancouver holiday market this month is helping to change lives
The holiday season is coming up, and it’s time to start shopping for everyone on your list.
A returning pop-up holiday market in Vancouver this month 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 is happening on Friday, Nov. 20, at 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
“This year’s theme, Together We Build, is a reminder that we all have something meaningful to contribute to our communities, and that incredible things can happen when we come together to uplift one another,” said Charissa Landicho, brand and marketing lead for Employ to Empower, to Daily Hive. “Make Change Market is so much more than a shopping experience. It’s a celebration of the entrepreneurs who have turned their strengths, passions, and lived experiences into businesses that bring them pride and purpose.
“For us, this event is a beautiful reflection of the ripple effect of collective support, where every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, and every connection made has helped create opportunities for people to thrive. We hope that when people walk through the doors, they see not just the businesses, but the incredible people behind them, and recognize the role we can all play in building a stronger, more connected 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 400 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 per cent.
The free Make Change Market will showcase a wide variety of gift ideas, including artisan soaps, jewelry, workshops, peer support counselling, beauty services, and more.
Employ to Empower
You will have the chance to meet 20 entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds who live with complex barriers such as mental health challenges, disabilities, chronic health conditions, or who are recovering from addictions.
The MakeChange Market works to address those barriers by providing free training, zero-cost participation, an easy-to-navigate application process, and the event space to flourish.
Employ to Empower
Make sure to arrive early, as the first 50 attendees will receive a free cookie from IceByDee.
You can also enjoy free chickpea chips from Peacasa Snacks Inc., as well as free hot chocolate. You can also enter to win raffle prizes from Burgoo, Vancouver Christmas Market, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Rain or Shine, Vancouver Water Adventures, and more.
Employ to Empower
Someone will even win a round-trip flight with Helijet between Vancouver and Nanaimo valued at $1,000 at the holiday market.
Donations to support Employ to Empower‘s important initiatives can also be made online.
Employ to Empower
Employ to Empower’s Make Change Market
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall — 3102 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: Free; register online