Vancouver's free Street Store marks 5 years of Christmas charity

A one-day pop-up store in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside has marked its fifth year of helping some of the city's most vulnerable residents by allowing to them to shop for free Christmas gifts.

The Street Store was the idea of Christina Wong, who five years ago booked two tables in an outdoor space at 62 E. Hastings St.

"It actually ended up being something bigger than Ianticipated," she said.

Now in 2018, the store has helped around 2,500 people shop for toys, clothes, shoes and other items. Over the last five years, 25,000 items have been donated.

• Shop of donations: Pop-up store in Downtown Eastside sells only free items

Each customer can select seven items. Everything is donated by individuals and businesses. Volunteers run the store, whichopened on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wong says the aimis to createa safe and respectful experience for shoppers.

"We're not just here to give people what we think they need;we want to understand their needs first, just like how we would for a friend," she said,

She said that over the years, she's had hand-written cards given to her by neighbourhoodresidents, thanking her for the store. Children also often come to pick out toys.

"It's unfortunate that some families are unable to afford a gift for a child, so here we really want to celebrate that and give that Christmas experience," she said.

This year,Teluspartnered with the store to help offer a mobile health clinic alongside the store. The Vancitycredit union has also supported the store.

Wong is also the executive director of Employ to Empower, which tries to connect low-income people from the Downtown Eastside with jobs.

She said she finds it moving how many people are willing to donate to the store and to volunteer for it.

"The level of compassion and curiosity about this community has increased, and that's just really our goal," she said.