Experience Vancouver's Downtown Eastside with UBC Golden Key!
During the turn of the century, the downtown Eastside became the center of Vancouver where popular shops flourished for many years. Recently, however, it has suffered from high poverty rates, crime, drug abuse, and violence. Although stereotypes about the downtown Eastside are often discussed, an aspect which needs to be brought into focus is the involvement of various organizations and associations that have worked hard to cater to the people in need. Current community groups working to improve the condition in the Eastside include many churches, including the “First United Church,” which provide assistance to the residents by helping ensure health issues are met and by providing movies and outings as sources of entertainment. Another notable organization is “UBC Learning Exchange” which provides local residents an opportunity to improve their education. “Pivot Legal Society” is another organization located in the downtown Eastside which helps address various issues including child welfare, addiction, and housing. There are also organizations, such as “Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen,” which provide meals to the homeless by hosting various events in the local area.
Raising awareness is an important step that must be taken in order to educate the public about the area. There is a lot one can gain by simply exploring the area, and we, as the UBC chapter of Golden Key partnering with UBC Learning Exchange, would like to raise awareness about the downtown Eastside by hosting a special orientation session in the later half of October. The event will be held on October 26th from 11:00am-2:00pm at UBC learning exchange. We welcome everyone, including friends and family, to join us in learning more about the downtown Eastside! Check out the event details on Facebook (UBC GK)!