Whether it was an opportunity to have a photo taken with musician Bif Naked or Ryan Steele, a local comedian and Amazing Race Canada contestant, or simply the idea of helping someone less fortunate, when AIDS Vancouver asked for help recently, Vancouverites responded.
The atmosphere at the AIDS Vancouver office on Seymour Street Monday was one of celebration as staff and volunteers welcomed people from all walks of life who showed up to donate food, blankets, cash, new toys and holiday treats.
By the time the day was over, Vancouverites had donated more than $4,000 worth of non-perishable groceries and almost $10,000 cash, which will be used to help fund programs, outreach, the helpline and case management support. The food will be distributed during AIDS Vancouver’s annual Holiday Grocery Day, which will provide special items for more than 800 clients on Dec. 16.
During a brief ceremony Dr. John Batherwick, Anne Beaufoy and Jackie Heywood were each honoured with the 2014 AIDS Vancouver Red Ribbon award.
AIDS Vancouver is still gratefully accepting donations of cash, non-perishable groceries and new toys at the office, 1107 Seymour St. For more information visit aidsvancouver.org.
sthomas@vancourier.com
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