| When Kevan Zainali and his then four-year old daughter, Esther, first slept out at YUnite Outside in 2021, they didn’t know much about the event or YU – just that their neighbour had asked them to come, and they wanted to be good neighbours. This year, as they gear up for their fourth YUnite Outside, they have expanded beyond being good neighbours, also now have empathy and greater compassion for our region’s most vulnerable.
Kevan’s neighbour of several years is GVYU’s director of Support Services, Dean Klassen. When Dean asked Kevan if he’d consider sleeping outside, Kevan, a welder by trade, knew he wanted to jump on board. “I wanted to support Dean,” Kevan says, “and I also have a really strong belief in serving and giving back to the community.” Kevan asked his daughter, Esther if she would do it with him. “She’s always been willing to try anything, so I asked, and she said yea, let’s go!”. Over their three years of sleeping outside, Kevan and Esther’s experience has been full of ups and downs. “Our first year, we had an okay sleep; the second was really cold, and last year was really hard,” he says. “But it’s so eye-opening, and every time I do it, it opens my mind up a little bit more.” Kevan also sees the time spent debriefing and learning as important parts of the event, because: “it just reiterates the why. It’s to keep awareness up for these kids.”
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Recently, the experiences have become more personal for Kevan, as a member of his extended family began to experience homelessness. “I know that I have more perspective on what [my family member] is going through,” he says. “I know how to look for resources out there so that when I’m able to get in contact, I have suggestions. It’s been a huge help in that regard.”
Even after three years of challenging sleeps, seven-year-old Esther is just as excited as year one. “She always asks, ‘Dad, are we sleeping outside this year?’ It’s awesome, and has been a huge connection point for us,” Kevan says. “We just love being able to serve in this way.” The duo’s recommendation for someone considering sleeping out? “Try it! It’s safe, you’re surrounded by great people, and you become a little more aware of the world around you.” To support a sleeper:
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“Really, someone bought all this for me? They even wrote a card with my name on it!” When Vancouver Outreach team lead Amanda Ratzlaff recommended her youth Camille* for Youth Unlimited’s Hamper Program last year, she knew Camille would appreciate it. What she didn’t expect was the barrage of texts and voice notes she quickly received, filled with joy, excitement and wonder. “They got me airpods! Can you believe it?”
Youth Unlimited’s Hamper Program is a growing GVYU needs-based program. YU youth workers identify youth and families who would greatly benefit from a robust grocery hamper and a gift during the holiday season. Those needs are then matched with individuals, families, businesses, churches or other groups who can either purchase and prepare the hampers, or provide the funds to do so. |
A year after receiving her hamper, the impact on Camille remains. “It meant a lot to me. My mom doesn’t have much money, she’s really hard working and has to pay rent which is expensive. I got to enjoy opening gifts without worrying about my mom having to spend money she doesn’t have,” she says. “It made me feel like a kid again.” This year, help youth and their families experience a Christmas they won’t forget. You can create the hamper yourself, or provide the finances for us to do so.
To sign-up or learn more: |
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Kevan, Dean and Esther pose for the pre-sleep photo in 2023
Supporters Caliber Projects help deliver Christmas hampers
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Hello Friends, As we enter November, I want to take a moment to thank you for your unwavering generosity and support throughout this year. November is a special time for us at Youth Unlimited, as it marks Youth Support Month—a time when we rally together to focus on the needs of the young people we serve. Your ongoing financial partnership has already made a tremendous impact in the lives of many youth, offering them hope and the opportunity to flourish within the loving community of support we provide. This month, we invite you to continue standing with us, ensuring that every young person in Youth Unlimited experiences the transformational mentorship they need to thrive. Whether through our innovative drop-in centres, meals and emergency relief, development programs and clubs, or camps, trips, and events, your contributions make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of youth who face incredible challenges. “…let our love be not in talk or on the tongue, but in action and truth.” There are several exciting opportunities to give this season. You can support our YUnite Outside fundraiser, aimed at preventing youth homelessness, or our Christmas Hamper Drive, which provides practical ways to ensure vulnerable youth and their families experience the joy and support they need during the holiday season. Lastly, as the year draws to a close, please consider participating in Year-end Giving—a powerful way to maximize your impact and help us finish the year strong. As we look ahead to Christmas, we are reminded of the season of giving, gratitude, and hope. Your prayers and financial support are an investment in the next generation. Together, we can help young people discover the unconditional love of Jesus and make Christmas a time of joy and transformation for the youth in our community. Thank you for your continued partnership and generosity!
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