On January 19, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors partnered with The Dugout, a local organization dedicated to creating a welcoming space in the Downtown Eastside. It was a morning filled with connection, service, and community spirit.
Tucked in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood, The Dugout is more than just a drop-in space—it’s a community living room where residents can find warmth, coffee, tea, snacks, and meals from morning to afternoon. Despite its small size, it serves up to 175 people daily, offering a place to connect, relax, and recharge.
Our team arrived bright and early, eager to lend a hand. We were welcomed by Peter and Brad, two dedicated staff members who run an incredibly tight ship with a mix of kindness, fairness, and firm leadership. With their guidance, our volunteers jumped right in. Captain Scott Legacy Society donated a variety of snacks—Vitamin C-packed oranges, chips and dip, and Reese’s peanut butter cups for an energy boost.
With gloves on and smiles ready, we served coffee and snacks to a steady stream of visitors. For many of us, it was a deeply moving experience. We heard stories of resilience, shared laughs, and had meaningful conversations. Every small interaction reinforced the importance of spaces like The Dugout—places where people are seen, supported, and treated with dignity.
Beyond volunteering, the event also brought our own team closer together. We connected not just with The Dugout’s staff and community members, but with each other. The energy in the room was a reminder of the perseverance of those who call the DTES home and the organizations working tirelessly to uplift them.
Though our time there was short, the impact was lasting. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support The Dugout and look forward to returning in April 2025 when they move to a larger space. Onwards and upwards—to an even greater capacity to serve!
If you’re interested in volunteering with us at our next event, check out upcoming opportunities here—we’d love to have you join us!
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