A group of Port Moody and Anmore residents will be serving more than just a meal to residents of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Sunday to let the city folks know that there are people in the suburbs who care.
They’ll be handing out hot stew, snacks, socks and mittens to 450 people on Hastings Street on Dec. 1.
And even if it’s damp and cold, volunteers hope to warm hearts with their Lunch with Love event.
“We are looking forward to making those connections again,” said Celia Chiang, who is organizing the lunch after a successful first event last year.
Each lunch bag will be emblazoned with a hand-drawn heart and the words "Lunch with Love" made by Chang’s daughters, who will also be helping on that day. In addition, dozens of helpers will be making stew, making donations to the cause and serving up the meal next Sunday.
“We decided to serve hot food this year because it was so cold. We want to warm people up,” said Chiang.
What started out as a small affair has grown to include 40 people, including her two daughters, Taylen and Madison, who are learning that it is as good to give as receive.
“Just knowing that you helped make people feel warm and safe is a good feeling,” said Taylen, 14, who is a Grade 10 student at Heritage Woods secondary while her sister, Madison, who is also helping, is 15 and in Grade 11.
The girls are looking forward to the event, their mom said, and have decorated 450 lunch bangs that will be given out.
“As a parent, we try our very best to teach our children good values, to work hard and always try their best, to respect their elders and to be kind to humans,” Chiang told The Tri-City News. “We can lead by example but we can also try to inspire them to become positive contributors to society.”
Several local businesses helped out with donations but money is still needed to buy socks and mittens. To donate, visit Lunch with Love, Anmore BC on GoFundMe. If you would like to volunteer, contact celiachiang888.gmail.com.
