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April 10, 2025 – Glimmers of Hope in the Heart of Richmond: Reflecting on a Powerful Gathering
Last night, something truly special unfolded within the 360 Community. Our gathering, themed “Rebuilding from the Streets: Dustin Pirillo’s Journey of Hope,” wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of personal stories, and the deep yearning for connection and hope within our community.… Continue reading
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April 6, 2025 – More Than Just Sandwiches: A Day of Witnessing and Sharing (Lessons for All Communities)
Today was a day that left a deep imprint on my heart. I had the privilege of joining an effort to distribute food to the people living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), and the experience was both humbling and eye-opening. While my direct experience was in this specific neighbourhood, the lessons learned and the realities… Continue reading
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March 24, 2025 – Building Bridges for Prevention and Community Support: Reflections on the RDLA Exhibition
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Responsible Drug Learning Association (RDLA) exhibition at the Abenteen Center in Richmond. The event was dedicated to prevention and awareness, bringing together a diverse group of individuals committed to addressing the complexities of drug use and its impact on our communities. Walking through the exhibition,… Continue reading
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March 21, 2025 – Empowered to Save a Life: My Naloxone 101 Training Experience
Today, I took a significant step by completing Opioid Poisoning Recognition and Response training, a Naloxone 101 course. It was a sobering but incredibly important experience. Learning about the signs of opioid poisoning and how to administer naloxone has equipped me with potentially life-saving knowledge. The statistics are alarming, and the reality of the opioid… Continue reading
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March 13, 2025, – Beyond Housing: Leadership, Elections, and Richmond’s Uncertain Future
Last month, I wrote a letter to the Richmond News questioning whether the cancellation of the supportive housing project at Cambie and Sexsmith was truly a “victory for public opinion.” The letter sparked conversations among community members, and now, I feel compelled to offer a deeper reflection on what this decision means for our city… Continue reading
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March 9, 2025 – A Heartfelt Friday at St. Alban’s Lunch Program
The Friday lunch program at St. Alban’s is a place where simple acts of kindness and faith can make a profound difference. This past Friday, I experienced that firsthand. I noticed a person, whom I’ll call L, looking a bit troubled. L approached me hesitantly and asked if I would be willing to pray with… Continue reading
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March 6, 2025 – Beyond the Hymns: A Sunday Shift in Perspective
Sunday mornings are often a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. This past Sunday, however, something shifted in my understanding of what those moments truly mean. It wasn’t just another service; it was a powerful reminder that worship isn’t an end in itself, but a launchpad for action. The service, as always, was filled with… Continue reading
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March 5, 2025 – The Enduring Heart of Chinatown: Reflections on Today’s Conversation with a Young Leader at Yarrow
The warmth of my coffee cup has long faded, yet the profound impact of my conversation with Beverly, a young leader from Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice remains vivid. This wasn’t merely a discussion; it was a powerful encounter with the heart of an organization deeply rooted in its community. What struck me most was… Continue reading
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March 2, 2025,- “Welcome to Anglican Church”: Holding Space in the Midst of Contempt
Serving at St. Alban’s Friday Lunch program is always a humbling experience. It’s a chance to connect with our community, to offer a warm meal, and to share a moment of human connection. But sometimes, those moments are tinged with something other than warmth. Several days ago, a gentleman approached me with a familiar mix… Continue reading
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Feb 28, 2025 – Diverse Voices, Shared Heart: Reflections on Our Richmond Community Gathering
Last night, within the embrace of 360 Community, we witnessed the beautiful chaos of diverse voices coming together in Richmond. We were a tapestry of different ideas, experiences, focuses, and approaches, yet every voice was heard, every perspective valued. There was no single dominating voice, no attempt to impose a singular vision. Instead, we created… Continue reading