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A song from more than 50 years ago that calls for peace, unity and the end to war is the theme for this year’s SHARE Imagine gala.
The Tri-City social services agency is using the John Lennon hit from 1971 as it marks the 20th anniversary gala by casting its own call to action to help with the ever-growing need for local services and supports.
SHARE CEO Claire MacLean told the Tri-City News that the nonprofit had more than 30,000 visits last year to the food bank, for counselling, programs and job advice, “and we expect to be tracking above that in 2025.”
MacLean expects with the Christmas holidays now over and the bills mounting, more Tri-City residents are expected reach out for help.
The pressure on the organization ramped up in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said; however, when the health emergency was over, inflation rose and the economy faltered. The compounding ripple effects have had devastating consequences for many Tri-City households.
“I think it’s stressful right now for people who are vulnerable,” MacLean said, adding, “but there is also geopolitical turmoil in the world that’s having an impact in Canada. With the possible [U.S.] tariffs, we may likely be also going into a recession. We are facing the same cultural, political and economic struggles as when the song was written 50 years ago.”
Still, MacLean said while Tri-City residents are feeling the financial pinch and mental health strains, good work is being done to lift people out of poverty and sadness. And, in many cases, SHARE has seen lives change for the better.
“Our models of service are working and creating a stronger community," she said.
Last year’s Imagine festivities brought in $250,000 for SHARE.
MacLean said this year's Imagine gala — to be held on Saturday, March 8 at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, in Coquitlam — is meant to highlight successes and honour businesses that have backed SHARE over the years.
Wesbild, a company building in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, is sponsoring the event; early bird tickets at $150 are on sale until Friday, Feb. 7. Afterwards, the price will rise to $175 per ticket.
“Businesses are the backbone of a healthy community,” she said. “We want to spread gratitude to them and give kudos where deserved.”
Businesses that want to sponsor the Imagine gala can email [email protected]. Auction items are also sought; email [email protected] to learn more about participating.
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