UBC Students' Street Mission:
Lending a Hand to Those in Need
Rachel Chiu, a third-year student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), has embarked on a meaningful journey by joining the UBC Agapé Student Club. This student-led organization focuses on providing support to the unhoused community in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
With a passion for social justice and community service, Rachel is excited to contribute to the club's initiatives.
Serving with Compassion, Building Community
Together for Change: UBC Agapé in Action
Founded by a group of passionate students who recognized the pressing need for support in the local community, the Agapé Student Club aims to mobilize UBC students to engage in meaningful outreach and service activities. Members participate in various initiatives, including organizing food drives, providing essentials like clothing and hygiene products, and facilitating community events that foster connection and understanding.
“Being part of the club has shown me that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our community.”
---Rachel Chiu, Club Member
The name "Agapé," derived from the Greek word for unconditional love, embodies the club's core values of empathy and respect for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. By encouraging students to take an active role in addressing social issues, the club not only aims to provide immediate relief but also to foster long-term change by raising awareness and advocating for justice and equity.
Nourishing Hearts, One Meal at a Time.
The club prepares food for the unhoused community in Vancouver, during which club members come together to make simple and healthy meals to share with those in need.
They start by gathering in the kitchen to make sandwiches with fresh ingredients.
Collaborating with Guru Nanak's Free Kitchen, the club also helps the organization distribute rice meals, ensuring that they are offering more food options
Building Bridges Through Food and Kindness
The story of collaborations.
The club's Logistics Coordinator shared insights about the club's collaborations with various social welfare organizations, including Guru Nanak's Free Kitchen and the Muslim Food Bank.
Voices of Passion: Words from the Club
More than just helping the unhoused population, the club members believe that their efforts are fostering a closer community among themselves. Through their shared experiences and collaboration, they are not only meeting the immediate needs of those they serve but also building lasting friendships along the way.
“One thing we focus on is not just serving the unhoused community in Vancouver, but also swarming like a tight-knit community ourselves."
The club has already built a small but loyal following, with a good attendance rate of retained members. They are calling for more involvement and hope to reach out to more UBC students. By expanding their marketing efforts, they aim to encourage greater participation and involvement in their initiatives.
Together, we can create a brighter future: building community, fostering compassion, and serving those in need.
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