What We Do: Our Justice Van Runs

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' " Matthew 25:40

March 10, 2024

It was a nice day when Christine, Andrew and I met at the Mustard Seed. Chris had dropped sandwiches off at my house earlier and Lillian brought some to the Seed. We had muffins, cookies, mandarins, other snacks and drinks to give out. 

It was busy by the Seed. Layton was very hungry and in desperate need of a top and hoodie, which we gave him. He gave me a big hug and said, "We (the JVS) are the best." We served Max, Ally, Sam, Wolf, Dennis, Shane and others. As usual, we gave out lots of pairs of socks. 

We headed over to the Bottle Depot. Olivia was there. After we gave her food, she talked with Christine for 20 minutes. Christine showed such kindness and patience when listening to her. Olivia gave her a big hug, and said she loves what we do. Our friend Mikey was there, and he and Andrew spoke at length. Andrew also had a conversation with Jodie which was also very compassionate. 

We helped Chris, Ryan, Megan, Deb, Dave, Scotty, Reese, Kingston, Shane, Jill and several others. We gave out all our snacks and sandwiches. It was a great day serving.

On my way home, I drove up Gorge Road and saw Ryan, who we originally met when he lived in Beacon Hill Park. I kept driving, but felt I needed to turn around and see if he needed anything. I caught up to him by Howard Johnson. He was thirsty and hungry, so I gave him extra chips, wagon wheels and drinks. Ryan was desperate for a sleeping bag, which I had. He gave me a big hug and was so grateful.

The word "console" means to be with the lonely one. Christine and Andrew in their extreme kindness demonstrated that today.

As Phil Large (JVS President) always says, the Justice Van is about "Love in Action.”

Frank Woods, Executive Director 

February 25, 2024

Sui-hui brought steaming hot chocolate to the Mustard Seed. I brought muffins, tarts, cookies and normal supplies. Terry dropped off sandwiches, plus Edith's Dairy Queen burgers-and-fries order. It was very busy by the Seed. We served Gloria, Max, Brandon, Ally, Dennis, Kathy and other members of the street community. As usual, we gave out lots of pairs of socks and gloves. Brandon also needed underwear. He was in rough shape as his back was sore and his hands were swollen. Su-hui prayed for his healing.

We headed over to the Bottle Depot where our friend Derick had a long chat with us. So much suffering in his life. Su-hui prayed with him too. He asked for a Justice Van Society hoodie, as did another lady friend. They were very happy to receive one, and put them on right away.

Katrina was there as well. She collected socks and a sleeping bag for Rob and her. We also served Peter, Koby, Christopher, Norm, Mark (Su-hui prayed with him) and others. We gave out another sleeping bag and blanket, which were badly needed. 

We drove farther down the street and met Jill, Devon, Kerry, Terry and Kristina. Su-hui felt led to ask Jill if she knew the whereabouts of our friend Skylar, and Jill told us where he is, so we were thrilled to know he is fine. 

I asked about Shay, who was missing as well, which made Jason very concerned. Jill said she saw Shay earlier that day and she was also fine and has housing at Tally-ho. 

All sandwiches and hot chocolate, plus snacks, were given out...a wonderful night serving yet again..

Frank Woods, Executive Director 

January 9, 2024

It was one of the coldest, most challenging nights I have experienced in the over five years I’ve been part of JVS serving the street community. Su-hui brought steaming hot chocolate. Terry delivered burgers and fries from Edith, and peanut butter-and-jam sandwiches he had made. Jason, from the Canadian Military, joined Su-hui and me.

It was quite slow by the Mustard Seed initially, but then people started coming from nowhere. We served Lance, Max, Ally, Chris, Jonathan, Deb, Dave, Jared, Koby, Devon, Jill, Dennis, Judy, Paul, Robert and many others. We gave out socks, gloves, some sweatpants, coats, handwarmers and blankets. Su-hui had a great time of conversation and prayer with Jonathan. We also had a good chat with our good friend Lance.

We headed to the Bottle Depot. We were greeted by Mark who collected food and drinks for himself and his buddy Norm. Marshall, Doug, Travis and Shane also came to the van. We ended up giving out our last sandwich to the last person who stopped by. All hot chocolate was also given out. People were very desperate and hungry due to the freezing weather conditions.

The van was definitely a lighthouse for the street community tonight.

God bless our friends.

Frank Woods, Executive Director 

A General Comment on the JVS Runs

One of Frank’s favourite themes centres on how we often have “just enough” to meet the needs of everyone. And, as a rule, he’s pretty much right. That said, we sometimes find ourselves out of sandwiches toward the end, but the street community folks are usually quite content with a protein bar and chips, and a pop and such. 

Another side of all of this is that Frank gets “up” for it every time! He’s “on” for the entire hour or so, and I’ve never seen him act as though he wishes he were somewhere else. Thank you, Frank!!!

Doug Kelk

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