Stories

Read stories about the work compassionate donors like you are making possible each and every day at Union Gospel Mission.

• Why Camp Matters

  Every year, kind hearted donors like you send hundreds of children and youth to summer camp through Union Gospel Mission's camp sponsorship program. At the end of the summer, camper's thank you cards pour in along with many touching stories. 

• Hope and New Life

  Jemal has been serving as a UGM Outreach Worker for over five years. Once homeless, addicted to drugs and wrapped-up in a gang life that resulted in him being shot twice, Jemal shares his story of redemption with men and women struggling to break free from a lifestyle of drugs and violence.

• Healing the whole person

  Drawn back repeatedly for the great meals, Carl was also touched by the ever-present love and attention from Outreach Workers. “They shook my hand, asked my name, and asked how I was doing. They had genuine concern and they cared about me. That’s why I kept coming here.”

• Come the way you are and we’ll take care of you

  Mike had been living outside, homeless, for 5 difficult years. He had been battling an addiction to alcohol for 30.

• Kari's Story

  The road to recovery isn’t often a straight one, and Kari knows that well. After 17 years of alcoholism and two stunted attempts at recovery, Kari felt like she might not have it in her to live a sober life.

• A Summer Camp Success Story

  Now 18 years old, Hannah has spent much of her life in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. She perhaps isn’t whom you might picture when you think of someone from this part of town, but Hannah, just like hundreds of kids today, grew up calling this tough neighbourhood home.