VANCOUVER – The Association of South Asian Professionals of British Columbia (ASAP), working with Friendship Providers in Action, held a Hotdog Day for the Homeless event on Saturday, November 29th at Oppenheimer Park in East Vancouver. It was minus two on a cold, crisp sunny day as a crowd gathered eagerly anticipating the food distribution to begin. Over a dozen ASAP members, family and friends served up hotdogs, cookies, coffee and distributed over fifty toques to the less fortunate. By raising awareness, ASAP hopes others will join in to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the approximately 2,300 homeless people in Vancouver. This was the seventh time ASAP organized such an event, now having served 8,000 hotdogs, treats, and coffee to the homeless.
“It is clear when you spend time in the downtown eastside that the issue of homelessness is closely connected with the lack of adequate care for those suffering from mental illness. Until this underlying illness is treated, we will continue to have a very serious homelessness problem in British Columbia. There are several reports suggesting that the number of people that will be homeless could triple in the Lower Mainland in the next few years. This needs to be addressed now before it gets any worse and we encourage everyone to contact their political representatives to raise this issue. ASAP and its members are doing their part by getting involved, giving back to the community and raising awareness We encourage and challenge others to join us to help resolve the plight of the mentally ill and the homeless.” states Jindy Bhalla, President of ASAP.
ASAP strives to recruit individuals who are looking to make a difference. For those who join the team of professionals in volunteering; here are a few ways ASAP makes a difference:
Awareness Campaigns
Promote Stem Cell registry sign up by South Asians. Spend a day building homes with Habitat for Humanity. Join the ASAP team for the World Partnership Walk, Surrey Christmas Bureau Toy Drive, The Victor Ghirra Toy Drive and many other campaigns upcoming.
For more information about ASAP, please go to our website www.asapbc.com or contact our President Jindy Bhalla at [email protected].
