Well it’s been one full month since our KMA Cares initiative, which saw KPU take over Ceilis Irish Pub in Richmond. Our numbers were strong with about 50+ KPU students and friends dropping by throughout the night for drinks, or to try their luck at beer pong. By the end of the night we had raised a total of $800 through our 50/50 draw and beer tickets with a big shout out going towards the winner of the 50/50 draw as all funds were donated back to Covenant House Vancouver.
The two beer-stars of the night were Cam and Kaela, coming out with a big win against rival GDMA students Kristian & Victor and claiming the coveted pong trophy. Though the beer pong ended at 12:00, the shutters on the party didn’t close until 2:30 with the obligatory 100 chicken nuggets to capstone the night. It was great putting faces to names and seeing some fresh marketing students come out!
The other weekend, Aaron, Raj and myself recently met with Mark Savard, the Development Officer at Covenant House Vancouver. We took a brief tour last Saturday of the organization located on Drake Street in Gastown. The organization was central in Downtown Vancouver, only being two blocks away from Granville Street. The first floor consisted of the 54 room living space designated the Crisis Shelter while the second floor consisted of a large space dedicated for entertainment & cooking. It was a secure residence and everyone we talked to was warm and welcoming.
Mark described the covenant house as providing a chance to those who came up short in the ‘life lottery’. Rather than giving them a hand out, they were providing them with a helping hand up. Individuals who wished to be apart of the program had to adhere to a personalized plan that was generally created when they first entered the Continuum of Care. Covenant house also offers what they call the Rights of Passage (ROP). This is a transitional living program that provides 6-24 months of supported living to young people who are in need of guidance and structure, as well as counseling. Covenant house is about helping to serve the suffering youth on the street and is primarily based on the following principals:
- Immediacy
- Sanctuary
- Value Communication
- Structure
- Choice
We’re happy that we could provide some support to such an altruistic organization and look forward to working with them in the future. Lastly, I’d like to thank all of those who came out and supported us for the KMA Cares event. We’re looking forward to seeing each one of you at our next social outreach event!
For more information on Covenant House, please visit their website at: http://www.covenanthousebc.org/
– Nevin MacDonald, Executive of Events