ADVENT … It means “coming”, and it’s the period before Christmas, in anticipation for the birth of Jesus – Emmanuel – God who came to dwell in the neighbourhood among us. This Advent season, we will be sharing with you a daily picture, from December 1-25, giving you a look into “God with us” at NightShift.

#25

Merry Christmas from the NightShift Family!

With the close of Advent, Christmas Day has arrived! The team at NightShift Street Ministries wishes everyone a Merry Christmas filled with hope, peace, joy and love. This season, we’re grateful for the community that has come together to make a difference, each person contributing in their own way. Our Christmas message is one of deep appreciation for those who support, encourage and strengthen our work, and of hope for brighter days ahead for all. NightShift is here because of the dedication and kindness of our community, and together, we celebrate this season of giving. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and thank you for generously coming alongside us as we continue to bring love, hope and purpose to our community.

#24

Celebrating Lasting Legacies

Each story at NightShift is a powerful reminder of how your kindness changes lives. This Advent season, we’re honouring the incredible impact of our community and the profound legacies left by our friends Alberta Jim and George. Alberta Jim (pictured left) wasn’t just a friend of NightShift; he was family. Through Alberta Jim’s artwork and his connection with our volunteers, he left a mark on all of us. Even in his own struggles, Jim gave back in ways that remind us of the beauty of belonging, chosen family and self-expression. Though he’s no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire us every day. George (pictured right) was also like family to NightShift. He left a lasting legacy in our community as NightShift’s very first “peer volunteer”. Every night at our outreach meal, George would take it upon himself to clean up any garbage in our parking lot and pray for the community. Until he passed a few years ago, George never missed an opportunity to help with hands and his heart. Today, NightShift has six peer volunteers who have followed in George’s footsteps to give back to their community. We miss Alberta Jim and George with all our hearts, and we are grateful that they shared their lives with all of us at NightShift. As we share these stories of hope and resilience, let’s celebrate the ways we transform lives together. Your acts of service, big or small, create ripples of change that touch hearts and build community.

#23

Celebrate the Spirit of Generosity this Advent!

Generosity is at the heart of everything we do at NightShift. This Advent season, we’re reminded of how powerful giving can be—it transforms lives, builds connections and spreads love where it’s needed most. This month our pantry and donation bins were overflowing with donations given to us by families from the SGL Charitable Society. SGL Charitable Society is a dedicated organization committed to serving the community with compassion and care. Their support and resources have been instrumental in uplifting those facing challenges, embodying the true spirit of giving. Together, with generous hearts like yours, we make miracles happen on the streets. Let’s honour and spread the love that unites us all this Advent. Let’s honour the kindness that fills this season and celebrate the true spirit of Advent—a spirit that unites us all in love.

#22

The Holiday Season: A Time for Good Neighbours!

The holidays are about connection, compassion and community—a time when good neighbours truly shine. At NightShift, we see how small acts of kindness can light up even the darkest moments. For many, this season can feel heavy with loneliness or hardship. But a hot meal, a kind word, or simply being present can bring hope and remind others they’re not alone. Last week, Evangel Christian Assembly Vancouver blessed NightShift with a mountain full of pantry supplies to support our friends on the street. When asked why they gave to NightShift, Pastor Esther Sia replied they “wanted to give to neighbours.” They are a witness to how NightShift cares for and supports the local community every night! AMAZING. Thank you so much for your generosity! During the holidays, when loneliness and hardship can feel especially heavy, good neighbours bring hope through acts of generosity, whether by sharing a hot meal, offering a kind word, or simply being present. They remind us that love and humanity thrive when we show up for one another. NightShift’s monthly giving initiative, LOVE 365, embodies this spirit by providing consistent care and connection to our neighbours in need throughout the year. By joining LOVE365, you can help share the hope of human connection every day, ensuring that no one feels alone during the holidays and beyond.

#21

Volunteers are the HEARTBEAT of NightShift!

Every act of service brings love, dedication and a ripple of hope to our community. This week, we were deeply honoured to welcome Karen Chahal and her family, who volunteered in loving tribute to Karen’s brother, Cam. Cam was a beacon of kindness, spending seven nights each Christmas season giving back at a local shelter—sharing love and care with the Whalley community. Though he passed away in 2018, his legacy lives on through the Chahal Family, who continue to serve and spread joy in his memory. Their story is a powerful reminder of how giving back transforms lives. Through their eyes, we see the beauty of connection and the strength of compassion. This Advent season, we celebrate our incredible community members who embody NightShift’s mission of love, hope and purpose. Together, we’re building a brighter, kinder neighbourhood—one act of service at a time.

#20

20 Years of NightShift

This year we celebrated two decades of love, hope and purpose! Since January 2004, when our Founder and President, MaryAnne Connor, gathered with friends to provide shelter and care to people without homes, our community has come together to serve those in need, one meal, one hug, one conversation at a time. For 20 years, NightShift has been steadfast in its mission to provide holistic care to vulnerable individuals in Surrey and beyond. From providing hot meals, 365 nights a year, blankets and clothing, hygiene items, resources, access to recovery, faith services to nursing and counselling care, the past two decades have been filled with unconditional love, hope and purpose. Over the years, NightShift has grown into so much more than a nightly meal program, for example:
Mobile Outreach Unit – bringing essential health services directly to the streets.
Taste of Heaven – a catering social enterprise spreading great food and awareness.
The Care Centre – offering professional Christian counselling services where everyone feels seen, heard, valued and loved.
Together, we’ve shared countless moments of resilience and compassion, and we’re just getting started!

#19

This Advent, Let’s Celebrate Generosity Together!

At NightShift, we’re blessed to have incredible supporters who make our mission of love, care and outreach possible. This season, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our amazing corporate partners: Country Lumber in Langley, BC! Their generosity and community spirit remind us what it means to truly build a stronger, more compassionate community—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s through their support for our programs or their example of giving back, Country Lumber is helping our team bring warmth and care to those who need it most this winter. Country Lumber has been a trusted name in BC for over 40 years, providing high-quality materials while staying rooted in community values. Their partnership helps us stay steadfast in our mission of hope. See Greg Weitzel, Partner and CFO of Country Lumber, describe the many benefits to their company, their customers and the community at large by regularly booking NightShift’s Taste of Heaven food truck.

#18

Love, Hope and Purpose

Hope is at the heart of NightShift’s work, a steady light in the darkness for those facing difficult circumstances. During Advent season, we are reminded to hold on to hope, for ourselves and for our friends in need, believing in brighter days ahead. By sharing stories of resilience and strength, NightShift inspires others to find courage and faith even in the face of hardship. Hope connects us all, offering the encouragement to keep moving forward together. Sometimes, hope comes in the form of a hot meal, a warm blanket or a compassionate hug. This season, NightShift seeks to lift up those who need hope most, reminding them that they are not alone.

#17

Making Christmas Memories at NightShift

Christmas memories hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of love, warmth and the connections that shape us. When we share these memories during Advent, it brings back the joy of moments shared with loved ones and the peace of cherished traditions. Last week, NightShift shared a very special Christmas Dinner in downtown Langley. Our volunteer team from Living Waters Church and In House Church shared a hot turkey dinner, treats, gift socks and live worship music with about 75 friends. With our Community Outreach Vehicle stocked with clothing and shoes, volunteers were able to share necessities with those in need. Thank you so much to our staff and volunteers who brought the warmth of community and hope to this Langley Christmas dinner. Each story of a NightShift Christmas invites others to reflect on their own treasured memories, connecting us through shared experiences. These memories become beacons of love, hope and comfort, especially for those in need of encouragement.

#16

30 Years of Warmth and Compassion

This Advent season, we’re celebrating three decades of kindness with the Realtors Care Blanket Drive! From November 12–19, 2024, Realtor volunteers across the Lower Mainland collected, sorted and delivered blankets, winter clothes and warmth to local charities—helping approximately 30,000 people every year. Every donation matters. Each blanket or jacket isn’t just a gift, it’s a message of care and community. Realtors Sandra Benz and Erica Tucker, pictured, dropped off a truckload of blankets and jackets to NightShift earlier this month. “Giving back to the community is important,” shares Sandra. “This is our 30th anniversary, and we’ve been bringing blankets to organizations forever. Our goal is to support the communities where we live and work.” Together, we extend a message of hope—one blanket at a time.

#15

Behind the Scenes of Hope: Donation Sorting at NightShift

This season, the magic isn’t just in the giving—it’s in the sorting! At NightShift, donation sorting is where your generosity truly comes to life. Every warm jacket, cozy blanket and thoughtfully prepared care package is carefully organized to meet real needs in our community. During Advent, we reflect on the love and care that go into every act of service. These unseen hands ensure every donation brings dignity, comfort and warmth to someone in need. Let’s celebrate the volunteers and supporters who make NightShift’s outreach so impactful. Because behind every gift is a story of compassion, and every small step leads to BIG change. Ready to spread more warmth this season?

#14

Celebrate the Heart of Community Care!

NightShift’s Community Outreach Vehicle is more than just a serving kitchen and clothing closet on wheels—it’s where love, nourishment and community come together! Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to serve meals and share clothing that meet the needs of our neighbours in downtown Langley. When you volunteer on the COV in downtown Langley, you’ll see teamwork, care and dedication in every detail of our community outreach teams. Each hot meal and each item of essential clothing shared is a heartfelt extension of NightShift’s mission to bring love, hope and purpose to the streets. This Advent season, we’re celebrating the COV as a space that unites us in care and compassion. Let’s give a big shoutout to the amazing efforts of our Langley volunteers who make this possible! Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.

#13

Celebrate the Heart of NightShift: Our Amazing Volunteers!

NightShift volunteers are the heartbeat of our community, pouring love and dedication into every task, big or small. From preparing meals to offering a warm embrace, their acts of service ripple through the hearts of those we serve. Pictured are students from Summit Pacific Bible College’s OMEGA program. For years, NightShift has been blessed with groups from OMEGA, who participate in our Acts of Kindness (AOK) walks through the neighbourhood, sharing hot drinks, snacks, prayer and compassionate connection with the folks they encounter. Sending a shout out to OMEGA students – NightShift loves you and you’re making a difference in our community! This season, their kindness shines brighter than ever, embodying the true spirit of Advent. They remind us that small gestures—a hot drink, a prayer, a smile, a helping hand, a kind word—can spark powerful change. To all our incredible volunteers: You are the reason hope thrives and love spreads. Thank you for giving freely, creating purpose and bringing light to every corner of our community.

#12

Winter Can Be Harsh, But Together We Can Make It Warmer

As temperatures drop, the reality of homelessness becomes even more difficult to bear. This winter, in extreme weather, NightShift is here to provide warmth and safety to those without shelter. In this season we are reminded that everyone deserves comfort and hope, especially during the coldest months. The need is growing. Since 2020, homelessness in Metro Vancouver has increased by 32%, and the demand for services continues to rise. To meet this need, NightShift is expanding our current facility! This will allow us to reach even more of our vulnerable neighbours and provide them the care, support and dignity they deserve. Together, we are bringing more love, hope and purpose to our friends in need, helping them find security and warmth this Advent season and beyond.

#11

Healing Together this Advent Season

At NightShift, the RE/ACT program represents more than just recovery—it’s a testament to healing, resilience and the strength of community, offering a safe and compassionate space to learn, grow and rediscover hope.  RE/ACT (Recovery and Education from Addiction and Complex Trauma) is delivered in a classroom setting at NightShift five days a week, promoting discussion, in-person bonds and connection with teachers and peers. This year, RE/ACT celebrated five years of shared healing and freedom at NightShift. Program Director, Wendy Fuller, shares: “Having RE/ACT at NightShift brings life. It exemplifies everything about family. It’s home. It’s the place where the RE/ACT family thrives.” RE/ACT reflects NightShift’s mission to shine light in the darkest places. Each story of recovery is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of support and the courage it takes to embrace healing. This Advent season, we celebrate the bravery of RE/ACT participants and the dedicated team members who walk beside them on their journey. Want to learn more about RE/ACT or book an intake appointment? Call (604) 953-1154 or email info@reactsurrey.ca

#10

This Advent, we Celebrate the NightShift MOU 

NightShift’s Medical Outreach Unit (MOU) provides frontline nursing and counselling care to vulnerable friends who might go without basic health care. It’s all about meeting health needs with dignity and respect. This vital service is more than healthcare—it’s hope, humanity and healing. For many of the friends we serve, there are barriers to accessing basic healthcare: such as finding a doctor; having the capacity to make it to appointments; or being treated with dignity, no matter what their life circumstances. Pictured is MOU volunteer driver, Doug Christison, who regularly serves alongside his wife, Patty. Doug shares love, hope and purpose with all our friends in the NightShift Neighbourhood. This Advent season, we honour the incredible staff and healthcare volunteers who pour their hearts into our community, showing us that compassion and presence can transform lives.

#9

Celebrating the Spirit of Advent through Peer Volunteers

NightShift’s Peer Volunteer program provides an opportunity for friends with lived experience to step forward and serve with a sense of understanding and hope as they invest in their community. At NightShift, we believe in investing in people’s God-given strengths and talents, empowering them to take on responsibility with a renewed sense of dignity. Our peer volunteers serve in many important ways: evening outreach, music ministry, Welcome Centre, warehouse and more. Pictured are peer volunteers, Joe and Tom, alongside volunteer Cheryl and NightShift staffer Dawson. These incredible volunteers create connections with staff and community that foster healing and transformation, reminding us that shared experiences can light the way for others. Their service is a testament to the power of a caring community where everyone has a role in lifting one another up.

#8

Acts of Love Through Every Meal

The care and dedication that goes into preparing each NightShift meal are acts of love in themselves. Our volunteers and staff transform simple ingredients into sustenance, offering love, hope and comfort to the friends on the street that we serve. As we celebrate Advent, we are reminded that every dish that is prepared is a reflection of our mission to nourish both body and soul. Together, we cook and serve, and in doing so, we strengthen our community through a shared meal and kind connection. This season, we honor all those who bring warmth and comfort to others through the meals they prepare.

#7

Grounded in Prayer, Anchored in Compassion

At NightShift, prayer is foundational to everything we do – guiding us with faith, compassion and hope. Advent means “arrival” and that brings special meaning to prayer, as we anticipate not only the arrival of Jesus, but the arrival of all things hoped for in the NightShift Neighbourhood. Our prayers center on lifting up our community: our friends in need; our faithful volunteer teams; and our generous donors. At NightShift, we conclude our evening outreach meals with a prayer circle, inviting all into the circle of faith. In times of hardship, prayer brings comfort and reminds us that we are not alone. We come together to pray for strength, peace, resilience and healing, trusting that our prayers will bring light and hope to all. Join with us as we continue to stand in faith, supporting one another with NightShift’s core values of humility, perseverance, integrity and unity.

#6

Taste of Heaven: More Than a Meal

NightShift’s Taste of Heaven events are about more than delicious food—they’re about community, compassion and connection. Every meal shared nourishes both body and soul, feeding not just hungry stomachs, but hungry hearts. When you enjoy a meal from our food truck, you become part of a powerful, community-based solution for those in need. All proceeds from Taste of Heaven help fund NightShift’s nightly outreach and daily continual care for people facing life’s toughest challenges. As we enter Advent, let’s reflect on the beauty of breaking bread together—a simple act that warms hearts, fosters healing, and brings us closer as a community.

#5

Together, We Are Stronger

NightShift Street Ministries serves a hot meal, 365 nights a year, along with blankets, clothing, health care and caring connections. The people we serve become our friends, like Lee (pictured). She has come to know NightShift over the years as a place that consistently serves hot meals, love, hope and purpose. “I have come to depend on NightShift for their kindness,” says Lee. Advent invites us to pause and reflect on how collective efforts – whether through providing meals, building connections, or offering a listening ear – changes lives. Each act of service is a reminder that compassion has the power to lift lives and bring healing. This season, we celebrate you – our community – and the incredible transformations made possible through our shared mission.

#4

Behind the Scenes at NightShift

Every day, NightShift staff work tirelessly to fulfill our mission of serving those in need with love and compassion. This Advent photo of NightShift’s Events Coordinator, Ally Bejer, gives us a glimpse into staff’s unwavering dedication—meeting friends on the street where they are at, while spreading kindness and hope. NightShift staff’s hard work is a true reflection of the Advent spirit: service, empathy and selflessness. This season, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make NightShift’s mission a reality. They inspire us with their love, resilience and commitment to bringing light to our community.

#3

This is Giving Tuesday

As we step into the season of Advent, we’re reminded of the power of giving, love and hope in action. Through NightShift, you can bring light into the lives of those facing hardship in our community by providing hot meals, clothing, shelter and essential support. NightShift is supported by generous individuals, families, corporate groups, churches, community groups and students. Pictured are a group of big-hearted students from Pacific Academy, who gathered jackets and blankets for “Operation Warm” and donated them to NightShift. Every item helps bring hope to friends experiencing homelessness and poverty.

This is the season of generosity. Every donation is more than just a gift; it’s a message of dignity, compassion and a reminder that no one is forgotten.

#2

Nourishing Body and Spirit

For NightShift, community meals are more than just food; they are moments of connection, dignity and compassion. Sharing a meal allows us to show each person that they are valued, reminding them that no one should face hardship alone. In the spirit of Advent, each meal brings people together, reflecting the importance of kindness and support. Every plate served is a message of hope, belonging, love and purpose for all. This season, we celebrate the power of community meals to nourish both body and spirit.

#1

Advent: A Season of Giving

Advent is a time to give, and at NightShift, we live this spirit daily through acts of kindness that uplift those in need. From the warmth of a shared cup of coffee or a nourishing meal to the comfort of a blanket or dry socks on a cold, wet night, each gesture reflects the heart of our mission: to bring love, hope and purpose to those who need it most. Imagine the impact of kindness multiplied every day—a ripple of hope and resilience spreading across our community. With every interaction, we remind people that they are seen, loved and valued.

You, too, can be a part of the story: