On Saturday, July 15, the Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) community came together for the Union Gospel Mission’s (UGM) Summer BBQ, an opportunity for people to gather and connect over a meal.
Concert Properties was proud to sponsor this important community event again this year, and employees volunteered to help serve more than 3,000 meals and assist with fun activities throughout the day.
“We are pleased to support UGM’s Annual Summer BBQ as lead sponsor again this year,” says Concert Properties Chair, President & CEO David Podmore, OBC. “Giving back to the communities where we work is one of our founding principles, and over the years it has become even more important as the need increases. We are fortunate to have employees who live our values and are eager to donate their time to this meaningful event.”
Over 30 Concert Properties’ employees joined other corporate volunteers to prepare and serve food, help with games, make crafts, support accessibility needs and other activities.
“I volunteered to support the barbeque because I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with people who aren’t in my usual sphere, as well as support a great non-profit organization and the important work they do. I really enjoy time spent chatting with people at this event; the DTES community is so warm and welcoming and appreciative of the day,” said Erika Bell, Director, Development at Concert Properties.
Mun Yee Chiang, Accounting Clerk, added, “This is the second time I’ve volunteered at UGM’s Summer BBQ. I’m so glad that UGM creates events like this for the community to enjoy. It gives me the opportunity to serve people and let them feel they are being cared for. It is a humbling experience and I look forward to volunteering again.”
UGM is a charitable organization providing meals, education, shelter, safe and affordable housing, drug and alcohol recovery programs, and support services to those struggling with homelessness and addiction, with locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission. Concert Properties has been a proud supporter of UGM since our first donation in 2008.
For more information about UGM, their work in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside and how you can support them, visit: ugm.ca/donate