This is the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver Courier’s annual Christmas Drive organized by office manager June Stafford in support of Directions Youth Services, a non-profit organization that helps street youth meet immediate needs through hot meals, showers and laundry facilities.
Directions also encourages teens and young adults to seek support through education, recreation and artistic programs. As well, the centre offers locker space and pet kennels.
Directions operates under a harm-reduction model so staff wait until youth ask for help before working to get their housing and health needs met. The centre also has space for youth to shower and clean up before a job interview, a family meeting or for their own sake, which is why it’s so important the centre carries essential toiletries such as disposable razors, shampoo, tampons, soap and hair clippers.
Stafford launched the Christmas Drive on behalf of Directions 10 years ago by placing an ad in the paper asking for donations. The project has grown substantially since then. As a result of Stafford’s efforts in 2012, the Courier was honoured with gold at the 2013 Canadian Community Newspaper Awards for outstanding community service.
Other items on the centre’s wish list include gift cards, particularly for fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, transit passes and new items such as underwear, sneakers and boots, warm jackets, gloves, hats, socks, rain pants and jackets, and any teen-appropriate clothing. Homeless youth are always in need of sleeping bags, backpacks, tarps, sheets, blankets and first aid items. For more information about Directions, visit fsgv.ca. Donations of new goods can be dropped off at the Courier office, 1574 West Sixth Ave., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday before Dec. 10.
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