Dr. Chris Shaw and Mayor Gregor Robertson at the press conference to launch Share the Gold

Dr. Chris Shaw and Mayor Gregor Robertson at the press conference to launch Share the Gold

First United recently launched its Share the Gold campaign with a press conference supported by Mayor Gregor Robertson, anti-Olympic activist Dr. Chris Shaw, members of the municipal, provincial and federal governments, the First United Church community and the media. We received good media coverage and what was especially uplifting was the sight of the crowd, the Mayor and Dr. Shaw wearing their gold scarves!

 Whether we support or oppose the 2010 Olympics, the efforts of VANOC prove that we have the ability and the resources to overcome massive obstacles and achieve significant outcomes. Share the Gold is a call to leverage the creativity, energy and commitment which have been directed at successfully responding to the challenge of hosting the Olympics to addressing the Olympian challenge of alienation, addiction, poverty and homelessness.

Ric Matthews comments, “This is not about simply throwing more money at doing ‘more of the same’. It’s about establishing a VANOC-like organization, (with authority and clear accountability) to deliver a comprehensive and integrated end to homelessness. It’s about recognizing this need as a priority and providing a vehicle for addressing it effectively and urgently. Together we can focus political will and access the resources to move from responsive compassion to proactive commitment in addressing the real challenges of our time.”

A Solidarity Stand was held on Wednesday February 24th for 30 minutes to raise awareness of the Share the Gold Campaign. Despite the rain, Vancouver City Councillors, First United Supporters, staff and community members lined  Hastings Street for two blocks wearing yellow scarves and toques and received loud encouragement from passing motorists.  

Share

Comments are closed.