Please note that if you are wanting to make a donation for the 2009 tax year you can visit our website https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1762&AID=655 until12:00am tonight to have a tax reciept for this year.

You may also call us at 604-638-4438(GIFT) and leave us a message and we will call you back on January 4th 2010.

Thank you!

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As we leave 2009 behind and head into 2010 we are wondering what your goals or resolutions are for the year ahead? Or maybe you don't make any?

Our youth usually have many goals and aspirations for the New Year, anything from finding a home, getting a job or to quit using drugs. We make New Year's fun for our youth by staying up late, having lots of treats and playing games. Our staff model that you can have a great New Year's night without drugs or alcohol.

So with resolutions in mind we are hoping that you would share yours with us or send some well wishes to our youth to give them little extra strength to accomplish theirs.

Covenant House Vancouver thanks you all for your kindness and support in 2009 and hopes your 2010 is filled with love, joy and all you wish for.

Happy New Year!!

 

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 Yesterday afternoon I spoke to the customer service agent at one of our vendors. The women disclosed that she has a son that has been staying with us off and on for several years. She mentioned that she knew for years that just the drug & Alcohol counselling was not enough that he had mental health issues that were not being considered.

She said that since the mental health program has started at CHV that her son has been getting lots of effective help from us and the doctors from St. Paul's. In her words, she said that this is the first time that she has "seen her son" in years. Because of the mental health program, he's finally getting the proper medication and care that he's needed for a long time. Kudos Ron

If you are interested in learning more about Covenant House Vancouver and St. Paul's Hospital's Mental Health Project please see link below for a story done by:
Jaeny Baik, Reporter, The Early Edition CBC Radio British Columbia.

www.cbc.ca/earlyedition

Please click on the Tuesday Listen Again Icon the story is at the 02:13:30 mark.

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Please enjoy a Christmas poem from Brian & FASS ( Finance & Support Services) dedicated to our staff and youth.

It’s not the night before Christmas and anyway according to CSS(Community Support Services) creatures have been stirring!
 

It is best sung to “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire"

 

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Covenant House Vancouver and all of its youth, volunteers and staff want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.Thank you for your support and friendship both through the Christmas season and throughout the year.

We will be back blogging and tweeting on December 29^th until then…

We hope your holidays are happy and safe and filled with joy!

 

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THANK YOU FOR MAKING CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE!

 

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Many people have mixed emotions around Christmas time. For those who associate Christmas with unpleasant family memories or those who are alone, this time of year can be rough. For me, this is my first Christmas without my Mom who died last March. My dad is visiting and this is his first Christmas in 53 years without Mom.

For the youth at Covenant House, Christmas can be difficult, a reminder of all that may be missing in their lives. For some, though, Christmas means visiting with family or friends they with whom they still have a connection. The youth are often quite anxious about not having any gifts for family or friends, so we allow them to "shop" in our donations area so they can find some presents for their family members. It is amazing to watch the youth when they "shop", observing the anxiety melt away, seeing the youth become more confident and actually now, looking forward to seeing family because they don't have the apprehension of visiting and arriving empty handed

At Covenant House, we try to make Christmas extra special. The young people receive a stocking on their door Christmas morning and presents generously donated by our donor community. The kitchen staff prepares a beautiful Christmas brunch and the youth join in the preparation of the Christmas dinner feast. Our youth workers say that working Christmas Day is a gift; so much gratitude and so much fellowship.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be here for the youth all year long, but especially so at Christmas when they all need extra love and support.

How is Christmas for you? 

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We received a donation today and with it a card containing the following message:

Our son was one of those young men that found his way to your door.  He did have a loving home where he was always welcome however he chose the streets of downtown Vancouver form age 15 - 18.

When he returned home, he was a heroin addict.

Seven years later, he is now studying in his third year of medical school and loving it!

With our sincere thanks,

(name withheld to protect confidentiality)

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On Christmas Eve three of the finest women vocalists in the lower Mainland will join together to present a special Jazz Vespers at St. Andrew's-Wesley. Karin Plato, Jennifer Scott, and Kate Hammett-Vaughan will delight the audience with an hour of holiday treats ranging from traditional carols to popular tunes, each song especially arranged to blend perfectly the voices of this dynamic trio. Each woman is a star in her own right, and this is the only time of the year when you'll be able to hear them together.

This year's concert will benefit Covenant House!

WHEN:    Thursday, December 24 - 4 pm
WHERE:  St. Andrews-Wesley Church, Burrard/Nelson Streets

Free admission, free parking. What's not to love about that?

 

 

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An anonymous donor wants to leverage their support to Covenant House and has offered to triple match any gift made by a first-time donor.  That means, if you give $50, our anonymous donor will give us $150!  If you have never given to Covenant House before, now is the perfect time.  You can give on-line securely by clicking here.

Also, for people who have given before, all donations we receive in December will be matched dollar for dollar!

THANK YOU!

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