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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Hello friends,
We have to come to realize you unfortunately cannot see the remarkable changes happening with our clients since joining our programs. These are the homeless and marginalized people in Metro Vancouver your donations and contributions support. So we have decided to add this page telling the success stories we are witnessing, and told to us by our clients.
I am no longer surprised to see how many emails come in regarding TJ, CFFS’s first client, who is still offering flowers for change every Friday afternoon, after more than four years, at the corner of Terminal Ave. and Quebec St. in Vancouver. With the help from Flowers for Food, in past four years, I have seen TJ move from living in cardboard boxes to living in a tent (which got stolen repeatedly or confiscated by the city).
About one year after working with CFFS TJ was able to move into a SRO (single room occupancy) not far from his corner. And soon after that he was able to move into the Granville Residence (low-income housing) where he is living now.
Within the time on our program I have seen TJ since off of the welfare system (once) and I have noticed (along with all his regular supporters) that he now takes a lot more pride in his grooming and appearance.
I have been to his home once or twice and he now has a microwave and television to call his own. And I am sure things will continue to get better for him thanks to the generosity of our floral suppliers and your support.
Respectfully,
Marrett Green
I was walking to the corner store the other day and I noticed this gentleman walking toward me and reaching out his hand to say hello. I was first taken back because I did not recognize him. I was then surprised when I realized I did know him. It was Geoff. (Watch Geoff's video (bottom of page) Quite unlike I am used to seeing him, his hair was cut, face shaven, and he was wearing clean coordinated clothes. He confessed even his closest colleagues are not recognizing him with his new look. I wished I had my camera with me to take his picture as words cannot describe his transformation. Yes, a picture is forthcoming. In the interim, I cannot express how proud I am (of him) in seeing how much progress he is making within himself, and with getting his life back on track. It is for this reason I extend my deepest and most sincere "Thanks" to you, all of our volunteers, sponsors, and floral donors for making this positive change in his life possible.
Respectfully,
Marrett Green
I have recently been told by Geoff that he and Mia, who is also a CFFS client who joined our street floral program in the summer ’08, along with three other people have managed to pool their resources together to rent a 5-bedroom home in south Vancouver. I do not know the other three members of their new home, but I know (have seen for myself) Geoff and Mia were living on the streets for some time (years), sleeping in tents and on park benches. But despite the wonderment of this news the sad reality is there are still thousands of people living homeless on our streets rain, snow, or shine, and your support and contributions are still needed. Thank you for your contribution in keeping Hope alive and helping to place a roof over its head. BTW, Geoff is still offering flowers in exchange for donations on Davie Street (near Denman), and I am sure he would love to hear you say “Congratulations,” when you see him.
Respectfully,
Marrett Green
