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| Father Matthew Johnson of St. James involved in his street ministry on the Downtown East Side |
Father Matthew Johnson, priest to the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, a ministry generously supported by St. James', Vancouver, and others is asking for supplies that he provides to the area's street people on his daily rounds.
Prior to Christmas, with Johnson's guidance, members of St James' spread out on the streets of the Downtown Eastside distributing gift boxes containing much-needed essentials for the homeless living under bridges and in doorways as well as gifts for the sex trade workers.
But more supplies could be used. (See a list of suggested items.) His ministry does not take donations of items such as clothing, sheets and pillows or food: these are well handled by other groups active in the area.
Suggested items
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Protein or power bars
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Cans of Ensure or meal replacement shakes
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Hand-wash towelette packets
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Antibacterial gel (pocket sized to medium)
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Phone-cards ($5 to $10)
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Warm gloves
- Gift cards (plastic ones are best, with a value of $10 or less)
To arrange for donations to be received, please leave a message for Diane Jones at St. James' at 604-685-2532, or call her at 604-313-3738.