It's cold out there. You are nice and warm and know there is a bed for you to sleep in... you have access to the internet... perhaps you have had more than one meal today and could easily go to your fridge or cuppboard for a snack... you've likely showered and brushed your teeth and have a flushing toilet and warm water to wash your hands... you may have had a cup of hot tea or coffee and enjoyed time reading, or working or relaxing with a good book...

There are many things that I do every day that I take for granted. It pains me to my very soul that there is anyone- let alone thousands within a 25km circle of my front door- who is hungry, homeless or underhoused, tethered to a bag or cart of their wordly possessions, who is seeking a way, any way, to make it through the day -dreading the chill and desperation of another night 'sleeping rough'.

I can't fix it, but in the 35 years that I have been connected to the United Church, First United has been doing the 'heavy lifting' of social justice and responsibility on my behalf and it has been my privilege to support and contribute to the important work this amazing organization does for the marginalized in Vancouver's downtown eastside.

If you are reading this, you will know I rarely ask people to financially support what could be perceived to be my own pet project. This is something I would love for you to dig deep and send some cash for.