I’m the queen of going out for coffee.

If you’re trying to get a hold of me, chances are I’m either at work or at my local coffee shop. I love it! I love the atmosphere, the hot drinks, and the aesthetic. I love meeting up with friends over a hot drink… I love setting up my laptop with a delicious London Fog and getting work done… I love sitting down with one of my girls I mentor and chat about life. It’s one of my favourite things!

But here’s the deal.

Not everybody has the opportunity nor do they have the luxury to go out for coffee.

I grew up in East Vancouver. With that being said, I’m no stranger to the Downtown Eastside. Growing up, I had my fair share of going downtown with either a high school group or my church youth group to hand out coffee, a sandwich, or a pair of socks. These outings sparked conversations with the people that lived in my neighbourhood whose lives didn’t quite look like mine. I was also taught to always show kindness to the homeless community because even though their lives looked different than my own, we all searched for the same thing – someone to show us love and kindness.

When UGM approached me and asked if I wanted to be part of their campaign Coffee + Conversation it was a no-brainer. At UGM, each cup of coffee is an opportunity to create life-changing connections with guests staying in their Emergency Shelter.

So… How can you do your part? You can help support me by making a donation to my fundraising campaign A Cup Of Joy. I chose joy because everyone deserves happiness… to be shown kindness… and to see joy in the midst of hardship and sorrow.

The process is fast, easy, and secure… and you can be sure that your donation will make a difference in the lives of our struggling neighbours.

By clicking here you can provide the $3.50 it costs to provide a warm meal and a hot cup of coffee to someone who needs it. The amount you choose to give is totally up to you! My goal is to raise $500 over the next few weeks (Campaign ends March 10th), providing at least 100 opportunities for life changing connections. ALSO!! With every donation made, may it be big or small, you will be entered to win a really cool giveaway (free coffee anyone??).

Will you join me in bringing a cup of joy?