Newsletters & Toast Talks

Toast Talks are a series of information sessions during which members of the FIRST UNITED team offer updates, insights, and information about our work to our communities of faith, volunteers, donors, stakeholders, and friends. To make sure you never miss out on invitations to Toast Talks, subscribe to our emails.

In our June 2022 edition of Toast Talks, Acting Executive Director Amanda Burrows shared the latest updates on the building redevelopment, including how we said goodbye to the 320 East Hastings building. She also shared an exciting update on our Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne’s nomination for Moderator of the United Church of Canada. We also heard from Didi Dufresne, First United Advocacy Manager, on some updates from our Advocacy program.

Watch the recording below!

We’ve also included the digital version of the summer edition of our First Things First newsletter below:

First United Summer 2022 Newsletter

Toast Talks are a series of information sessions during which members of the FIRST UNITED team offer updates, insights, and information about our work to our communities of faith, volunteers, donors, stakeholders, and friends. To make sure you never miss out on invitations to Toast Talks, subscribe to our emails.

On March 17th, almost one year to day since our first Toast Talks, we virtually gathered to look back on our 2020-2021 fiscal year! Executive Director Camren Lansdowne walked attendees through highlights and accomplishments of the latest Annual Report, and we heard from long-time First United Case Planner Stephanie Kallstrom about what working the frontlines in the Downtown Eastside is like.

Plus, we were able to share a few big pieces of news including our Imagine Canada accreditation and information about staff changes. Watch the recording below!

Toast Talks are a new series of information sessions during which members of the FIRST UNITED team offer updates, insights, and information about our work to our communities of faith, volunteers, donors, stakeholders and friends.

At Toast Talk events on November 18 and 19, 2021, FIRST UNITED announced the launch of its $30 million First Forward Building Connections Campaign to fund the redevelopment of FIRST’s site at 320 East Hastings.

Participants got a closer look at the details of the redevelopment, our campaign targets, and campaign video. They also got a sneak peek at FIRST UNITED’s new Food First food truck, and some insights into our Community Meal Program from Food Services Manager Bert Canete.

Watch the November 2021 Toast Talks below

And check out our November 2021 issue of our newsletter First Things First below

First United Fall Newsletter – Digital