A legacy often begins when someone has a love for a cause. The Friesen family had such a love. A love for children who didn’t have as many opportunities in life, for moms struggling to make ends meet, and men caught in a lifestyle they desperately wanted to escape.
50+ years of giving began with brothers’ love for the cause.
Bill and Harold Friesen grew up in a household where their mother Helen instilled in them the desire to be generous of both their time and money. With the help of their wives Marcella and Doreen they volunteered their time and donated to give hundreds of people, especially children, in the Downtown Eastside an opportunity to better their lives and to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were especially committed to helping get kids to Sunday School in the early years.
In 1951 Bill started a fuel business and invited his brother Harold to join him. Friesen Brothers Fuels Ltd, which is now managed by Peter (Bill’s son) and Michael (Harold’s son) Friesen and employs a number of other family members, has been giving consistently to Union Gospel Mission for over 50 years. Bill and Harold requested upon their deaths in 2003 and 2004 that Friesen Brothers Fuels continue supporting UGM.
It’s a legacy of deep caring the brothers would be proud to see continuing today.
