From the blog

Last week, with the kind help of volunteers and donors, NightShift served a special Easter meal with about 250 people in Surrey and Langley. Friends experiencing homelessness and poverty were welcomed to a full ham dinner, chocolate treats and coffee gift cards, along with the opportunity to write a message of hope on coloured paper…

In 2017, NightShift launched a unique ministry initiative, a food truck called Taste of Heaven (TOH). This special food truck served dual purposes for the ministry: a professional catering food truck to raise funds and awareness for NightShift; and a food serving vehicle for NightShift’s hot meal outreach to people in need in the City…

Volunteers are the heart and hands of NightShift Street Ministries. When the ministry started, it was MaryAnne Connor (now Founder and President) and a small group of faithful people who were gathering to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable people during a winter storm. Today, 20 years later, NightShift has seen thousands of people volunteer…

As a non-denominational faith-based organization, NightShift is host and home to many Christ-centered programs, services and groups. We love to share our space with other ministries to serve and love our friends on the street. NightShift’s Surrey building has provided space over the years for different groups who are wanting to make the gospel easily…

NightShift’s Art Class is where fun and creativity meet healing and purpose. Created in 2014 by NightShift volunteer Maggie Callander, when one night a week friends on the street were invited to explore NightShift’s art supply closet, full of colour and imagination. With paints, felt pens, crayons, canvases, paper and more, Art Class got creative…

Music is good for the soul. It can boost energy, increase happiness and mental alertness, and best of all, it can help us feel connected to each other and to God. NightShift’s Music Ministry provides space for musicians to play worshipful and uplifting music during the evening outreach meal in Surrey. We often notice a…

In 2012, NightShift’s Founder and President, MaryAnne Connor, wrote and published the book, the Shift, the story of how NightShift came to be. From sleepless nights to God’s nudging; from opposition to God’s humble victories; from “us and them” to “we”, sharing NightShift’s journey just couldn’t be contained. In the Shift, MaryAnne tells the story…

NightShift is about meeting people where they are and caring for them as they come. We know a hot nutritious meal and clean clothing can go a long way in supporting love, hope and purpose for people experiencing homelessness. But we wanted to do more to address some of the immediate needs we were seeing…

NightShift loved being in our first building space on City Parkway. It was a great location and our street friends knew where we were. But after a few years, we had to start looking for a new home. Our rented space was crumbling. There was mold, and the leaking roof meant we had to place…

As a registered charitable organization, NightShift’s donor support is vitally important to our outreach, care and programs for people in need. As our little ministry grew, NightShift took the leap into special fundraising events, inviting people to gather and financially support having a positive impact on the community. NightShift’s annual Gala of Light (now called…

In 2008, NightShift’s first social enterprise was born. The idea sprouted from the plethora of clothing donations we were receiving for distribution at nightly outreach. With many of these items not meeting the immediate needs of our street friends, MaryAnne Connor had the innovative idea of launching a thrift store open to the public, both…

From the beginning, NightShift quickly became a special place of interdenominational Christian faith and service. Folks from dozens of churches in Surrey and beyond have come together over the years, in answer to Jesus’ call to care for the poor, and in faithful service to our outreach mission. Pictured here is a vision-casting and prayer…

In 2006, NightShift moved into its first official office and outreach space at 10753 City Parkway. The building needed some sprucing up, and among the many helping hands was our dear friend from the street, Denis, who rolled up his sleeves and helped paint the exterior. NightShift had previously been serving from Bentley Field, but…

The snowstorm of January 2004 eventually passed, but the needs of people struggling on the street remained – for connection, hope and nutrition. The growing group of volunteers stayed steadfast in providing overnight shelter, safety, a hot meal and prayer for weary souls. The name “NightShift” soon emerged for the ministry – coined to reflect…

In January 2004, during a raging snowstorm in Metro Vancouver, MaryAnne Connor tossed and turned in bed at night, unable to fall asleep. She had one question plaguing her mind: “Where are they sleeping tonight?” She couldn’t shake the call God had put on her heart – to care for the vulnerable men and women…

Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate in community, and that's exactly what we do at NightShift Street Ministries! Last weekend, NightShift hosted our biggest ever sit-down Christmas Dinner in Surrey, when we welcomed about 195 people to gather around a hot turkey dinner, receive gifts, hear live Christmas music and experience the joy of…

NightShift's 5th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner was such a special time! Between Surrey and Langley, NightShift served 250 friends in need in our communities. On the menu was a hot turkey dinner complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, cranberry sauce and gravy – all the fixings for the perfect Thanksgiving feast! We had pumpkin pie…

The Annual Summer BBQ is one of our favourite events here at NightShift Street Ministries. This is when we gather folks from all corners of our community – volunteers, donors, supporters and friends on the street – for a time of fellowship, music, and of course, good eats right off the grill! About 175 friends…

NightShift Street Ministries' 5th Annual Easter celebration meals filled not only plates and bellies, but also hearts. Sharing the Easter meal with friends who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and mental illness, is more than upholding a tradition - it's an opportunity to rejoice together in the hope of Jesus. Volunteers and staff shared a…

Wishes from the heart What a pleasure it’s been connecting with you this Christmas month. I have enjoyed sharing NightShift stories of love, hope and purpose throughout December. NightShift celebrated Christmas with a sit-down turkey dinner and gifts for our community on December 17. For our friends on the street experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and…

The miracle of friendship With Christmas Day almost here, the team at NightShift Street Ministries is reflecting on, and celebrating, the genuine friendships formed within our community. We have been blessed to see deep connections formed between our staff, volunteers and friends on the street. The depth of love and friendship I have witnessed at…

Food for the Soul. NightShift’s annual sit-down Christmas Dinner is special to us. Every year, around this time, we gather together to serve a holiday meal made up of hot turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the fixings necessary for a delicious Christmas dinner. With the help of donors, staff and volunteers, this past…

Caring for one another Since NightShift Street Ministries began on a cold winter's night 19 years ago, God has used the hearts and hands of thousands of people to reach out to friends in need on the street. Each person in NightShift's family of support comes with their own story, and their own compelling reason…

Every life has value Meet Maisie Zandbergen, NightShift Street Ministries' resource worker. When Maisie joined the NightShift staff team last year, she brought a deep understanding of meeting people where they are at, valuing their lives, and helping with their immediate needs. Maisie meets one-on-one with people in our Resource Centre, many of whom are…

At NightShift Street Ministries, we love celebrating Thanksgiving Dinner and a shared sense of gratitude with friends in our outreach communities of Surrey and Langley.   NightShift’s 4th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner saw 80 friends in Langley and 140 in Surrey gather for a hot turkey dinner with all the fixings, pie for dessert, and coffee gift cards…

The Welcome Centre at NightShift Street Ministries is a well-used and well-loved space! In addition to providing a warm, welcoming drop-in centre every weekday, and monthly offerings like movie night and haircuts, NightShift is honoured to share our Welcome Centre space with other ministries, like the wonderful team at Club Freedom. An initiative born out…

NightShift’s 2022 Easter celebration dinner was special – to us and to the friends we serve. Of course, it was a time for a holiday great feast and chocolate treats. But it’s also about so much more. It’s about sharing the Hope that Easter brings, and building friendships, creating connections, and bringing people together through…

Message for NightShift volunteers in Surrey and Langley, BC: During the past two years, we have issued a number of updates with changes to our outreach procedures, in accordance with Public Health Orders and the BC Centre for Disease Control. Thank you for responding and adhering to the restrictions that are placed on us all.…

Message for NightShift volunteers in Surrey and Langley, BC: It's a new year and here we still are with COVID-19 restrictions in place. We continue to persevere with our nightly outreach services and as many programs as we are allowed to provide that are so important to the people we serve. Thanks to the continued…

George and Wes share love, hope and purpose Our friends George and Wes first came to NightShift for help in their own lives – but they stayed to offer help to others. George and Wes have made a significant impact on our staff, volunteers and our friends on the street. Their presence is felt throughout…

The Christmas meal is an important at NightShift Street Ministries. We gather to bring our very best to those experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and mental illness. With the help of donors, volunteers and staff, NightShift served a special turkey dinner, along with treats and gifts, to our friends going through hard times. Together, we served…

Wayne's Story of Hope and Recovery Wayne’s story is a powerful one of receiving, and giving, hope and love. After decades struggling with addiction, Wayne will spend this Christmas embracing life and serving others! Wayne embraced freedom from addiction and reclaimed his life through a very special recovery program that operates here at NightShift Street…

Kelly's Story of Hope and Healing During the Advent season, we love sharing with you stories of people in the NightShift community. Sharing stories is a powerful way of connecting with others, and giving Hope. Kelly’s story is one of healing, hope and serving others. She is a committed volunteer at NightShift’s Welcome Centre drop-in.…

NightShift’s Third Annual Thanksgiving Dinner was shared with friends in two cities this year – Langley and Surrey. Along with a hot turkey dinner, and friendship, a shared sense of gratitude were on the menu. In Langley, 80 hot meals were served, and in Surrey, 110 meals were served to people struggling with some of…

Message for NightShift volunteers in Surrey and Langley, BC: The 16-month-long COVID-19 state of emergency in British Columbia has been lifted. Because of the dedicated service of our volunteers, NightShift Street Ministries was able to continue serving a hot meal every single night throughout the pandemic, along with distributing clothing, blankets and providing basic health…

Holiday celebration dinners are an important part of community life at NightShift Street Ministries. When we celebrate together, it's about more than upholding traditions. It's about gathering together, to share hope, joy, and the value of humanity. And there no better holiday to celebrate that than Easter! During our special 2021 Easter Dinner, NightShift volunteers…

NightShift has been blessed to befriend many people in our 17 years reaching out to people struggling with homelessness, poverty, addictions and mental illness. Some friends, we have lost touch with over the years. And some friends, like Michael, we meet again, in surprising and inspiring ways. Michael had experienced homelessness for about 20 years,…

There was a time in Summer's life she avoided people struggling on the street. Now, she can't wait to learn their names and get to know them. Summer joined NightShift's staff team last year, and brought with her a deep understanding of why we reach out, 365 nights a year, to people struggling with homelessness,…

Owen has been coming to NightShift's nightly outreach for over 15 years. The hot meal and the community he finds here nourish his hunger and his need for connection. NightShift's hot meal outreach provides Owen with a sense of comfort and stability, especially during a difficult pandemic year. "I suffer from asthma, and with this…

It’s been a joy to connect with you this past month, sharing stories of Advent hope from the NightShift neighbourhood. Thank you for joining me! I hope your Christmas 2020 had moments of wonder, and peace, even in the middle of uncertainty and pandemic restrictions. The year 2020 has been one for the history books.…

NightShift's Christmas Dinner 2020 was definitely one to remember! This year, for the first time, we were delighted to extend our hot turkey dinner service to include Langley as well as Surrey. Because of the generosity of our sponsors from the local business and faith communities, NightShift shared a holiday meal, gifts and goodies with…

A thoughtful and quiet man, when David speaks, the words are powerful and from the heart. After 15 years lost in addiction, and struggling with homelessness, David will spend this Christmas clean, sober, and excited about his future. David embraced freedom from addiction and reclaimed his life through a very special recovery program that operates…

We want to share with you a story about sharing a legacy of love with people in need, even after grief and loss. Jacki Love (yes, that’s her name!) has been serving at NightShift since 2014, after she read about the ministry in a Surrey newspaper article. The idea of helping people struggling on the…

As we draw near to Christmas 2020, we can’t help but think about all the precious relationships built at NightShift Street Ministries over the years, with the community we serve. Some people we meet only once or twice. And some, we get to know over the years, as they become long-lasting friends. Friends like Wanda.…

NightShift's second Annual Thanksgiving Dinner was a beautiful team effort. Despite not being able to serve an indoor, sit-down meal, 135 friends on the street were treated to a fully-packaged turkey dinner and a sense of belonging! Our doors were open, as we served the dinner from the back outreach doors; handed out hot chocolate…

Holiday celebration dinners have become an important part of what we do throughout the year in the NightShift neighbourhood. Hot meals shared with friends and family take on special meaning for all of us during the holidays. During our special 2020 Easter Dinner, we served ham dinner and all the fixings, chocolate treats and a…

Message for NightShift volunteers in Surrey and Langley, BC: [ original post Mar 2020; updated Nov 2020 ] With the global Covid-19 pandemic and resulting government-mandated social distancing, we are in unprecedented times around the world, in our country and communities, and right here at NightShift Street Ministries. NightShift will continue to serve a hot…

Bringing people together is at the very heart of what NightShift does. Our DNA is in outreach, 365 nights a year, to vulnerable people on the streets in Surrey, and twice a week in the City of Langley. Our friends in need depend on NightShift for a hot meal, basic clothing, nursing, counselling and perhaps most…

A hot turkey dinner with all the fixings was served to more than 160 friends in the neighbourhood at NightShift Street Ministries on Sunday, Dec. 15.  With live Christmas music, gifts, treats and Christmas trees, NightShift's Education Room overflowed with the peace, joy and love of the Christmas season. But the best trimming for NightShift's…

Surviving the day – and night – can be an overwhelming challenge for men and women who are on the streets or at risk of becoming homeless. Many people who are homeless are also battling the effects of past trauma, addiction and mental illness, which can lead to isolation and exclusion. At NightShift, we know…

The spirit of gratitude was overflowing in NightShift's Education Room on Thanksgiving weekend. We celebrated on Oct. 12 with a delicious turkey dinner, and all the fixings, with about 170 of our friends in need in the Whalley neighbourhood.  Because of the generosity of our sponsors, and people like you, this special Thanksgiving Dinner was…

For 15 years, people like you have come to NightShift to create a community of love, hope and purpose for people in need on the streets in our communities. That is worthy of celebration! And celebrate we did in NightShift's ourtreach lot on Sunday, September 15. It was our dream-party, bringing together NightShift volunteers, donors,…

The journey to finding freedom Laureen (Reenie) Fox knew she wanted to help other people. As someone who had volunteered in the past she wanted to get back to serving others. So Reenie enthusiastically signed up for a recovery program helping folks find freedom from addictions and complex trauma, called RE:ACT. She believed she could…

NightShift's Easter Celebration Meal was absolutely wonderful! Because of the generosity of our sponsors, and people like you, about 130 friends from the neighbourhood, stuggling with poverty and homelessness, enjoyed a delicious ham dinner with all the fixings, and a special Easter treat bag that included a Bible, chocolate treats and more. Together with wonderful…

George is one of our regulars. Most nights we see him at our outreach meal, helping volunteers, joining new faces for dinner and carrying on conversations with the friends he’s made over the years at NightShift. Born and raised in Fiji, George came to Canada when he was 16 and completed high school here. After…

For people without homes in Metro Vancouver, the February frigid temperatures and snowstorms have made basic health and survival a challenge. But the weather issues facing folks without homes began before the snow started falling. Last November the rain was so bad that Marcia couldn’t go out for days. The 54-year-old woman, who is homeless,…

Bringing folks together with a sit-down, family style holiday meal!  The miracle and magic of Christmas came alive at NightShift Street Ministries when volunteers, donors, and staff came together on December 16 to share a full turkey dinner, along with a side helping of hope, peace, love and joy with just over 100 of our…

Finding joy at Christmas time can come in different ways. For Corrina, joy is found in ways that many folks take for granted – like simply having a warm, dry place to sleep and hot meal, served with a smile. Corrina has been homeless for the last seven months, living out of a tent in…

For most people, the holidays mean spending time with loved ones. Christmas time highlights family gatherings, the blessings of being together, and sharing unconditional love. For Richard, thoughts of family gatherings and feasting over the Christmas table bring up memories of his Mom, who passed away in 2005. She was, he says, "a saint, my…

For people struggling with homelessness and poverty, finding peace and goodwill, even at Christmas time, can sometimes seem impossible. The last few years, Mark has had a lot to deal with. He was let go from his job as a point-of-sales system supervisor, without cause, in 2015. Although he doesn’t know for sure, Mark suspects…

Riding her bike through the inner-city streets of Surrey, Heather, often has a warm smile for others. Yet, despite her engaging smile, the idea of "hope", even at Christmas time, has been lost for her since she was a child. "Kids have more hope than adults do about what's to come at Christmas," Heather says.…

When you’re serving a community meal every night, year after year, your mobile kitchen is going to take a toll no matter how much you take care of it. After serving half a million meals to people struggling with poverty, addiction, mental illness and homelessness on our streets, our beloved kitchen trailer – which has…

Sometimes, beauty grows from the ashes of pain and tragedy. Breathtaking, inspiring beauty like that found in Bonnie, a woman who has become a friend to staff and volunteers at NightShift Street Ministries. Finding light in the darkness that once surrounded her life, Bonnie wants to connect with other people who are struggling with some…

You know the excited feeling that comes from finding a piece of clothing that fits just right, comes in a colour you love, and is exactly what you need? The icing on the cake, of course, is if the price is right. You just grab that item and run for the check out, heart pounding…

Our More Than Soup Contest provides a way to fundraise and build awareness about what NightShift is doing to reach the homeless, hurting and vulnerable people on our streets. The idea for the More Than Soup Contest was inspired by one of our favourite fundraisers, fitness trainer and friend of NightShift, Carl C., who holds…

Inside a cupboard at NightShift Street Ministries is a colourful and abundant assortment of felt pens, crayons, paints, paper, stickers, wool, fabrics and other art supplies. Every Tuesday Friday at 5:30 pm, the cupboard is opened, to the delight of a room full of people, most of whom are eager to create an artistic treasure,…

As normal as popcorn and a movie Men and women fill the chairs, the lights are dimmed. The delicious aroma of hot, buttered popcorn fills the air as people sip root beer floats and wait for the movie to begin. This isn’t another night out at the local multiplex. This is Movie Night at NightShift,…

NightShift's free vision testing From getting up in the morning until bedtime, each one of us must steer through our day, charting our course, meeting challenges and making decisions every moment. But imagine navigating your day if your vision was impaired. What would you do if you could not read road signs, a community newsletter…

Be part of that experience - apply to NightShift's Summer Internship Program! The last nine weeks have been unforgettable for Kayla MacGillivray. The 22-year-old psychology student says her time as an intern at NightShift Street Ministries has opened her eyes and showed her heart things she couldn’t learn from a textbook. Kayla’s life-changing few months’…

The buzz is spreading quickly about NightShift's latest social enterprise, the Taste of Heaven food truck. The menu - mouth-wateringly delicious gourmet sausages in a bun - is already garnering rave reviews. With summer upon us, and festival season in full swing in the Lower Mainland, the popularity of Taste of Heaven has accelerated to…

What would summer in the Lower Mainland be without scrumptious food-truck fare? Well, brace yourself foodies: there’s a new food truck cruising through local festivals, events and neighbourhoods, offering gourmet sausages in a bun, topped with homemade condiments so good, your taste buds will be in heaven! We are elated to officially introduce its brand…

Interested in learning how non-profits work? Giving back to your community is important to you? Looking for work experience in accounting, admin or the food truck industry? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, NightShift might be your summer destination. We have four internships available for students who are returning to school in…

Wow. Where did the time go? When did we grow up and become a … teenager? That’s right, NightShift Street Ministries has turned 13 years old, and is headed boldly into its teenage years bubbling over with passionate plans for the future. Do you remember when NightShift made its entrance into the world? It was…

It’s amazing what wonderful things can come from our regular, everyday lives, when we just take the time to look outside of our own routines and pay attention to our community. Starbucks store Manager, Marianne Abaya, does more than just show up for work every day and serve delicious coffee at her location in Whalley.…

We currently have two openings to join our staff team at NightShift: VOLUNTEER SERVICES COORDINATOR Do you love overseeing and organizing big teams, bringing people together, celebrating the value of others, and keeping people focussed on a task? If you are nodding your head enthusiastically right now, we just might have a job for you…

South Surrey area fitness trainer Carl C. is a tough, strong guy. He likes to use his strength to help people be the best that they can be inside the gym, and outside too. But the muscle he’s been using the most these days is perhaps his strongest – his heart – and he’s using…

NightShift Street Ministries is calling vulnerable women on the street in from the freezing cold nights, this week and throughout the winter, with our new Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter. The shelter is now open from 8 pm to 7 am during temperatures of -4◦C or below, or in snowy conditions. The dramatic turn in…

I am reaching out to you today with an URGENT CALL FOR PRAYER. We hear the words daily in newscasts, and read them in print media all over the Lower Mainland: “fentanyl crisis” and “overdose epidemic”. There are lives behind those words – lives that are being lost, as people die tragically and abruptly from…

We don’t own a large fleet of vehicles to serve the thousands of people who turn to NightShift for help or to get involved. There’s our aging clothing truck and converted mobile kitchen trailer which are in heavy use 365 days/year. Then there’s our mobile counselling/medical Care Bus which we gingerly bring to the streets…

This summer has seen a lot of changes at 10635 King George Boulevard. From preparations for the move of Sisters Thrift Boutique and subsequent MINGA remodelling of our facilities to support additional programs, to a handing over of the baton at The Care Centre. The following post, written by outgoing Care Bus and The Care…

It’s Monday, it’s a public holiday for British Columbia Day, and it’s Music Ministry day! Today we are thrilled to have Andy, Darcy and Mike launch a brand new Music Ministry at NightShift. It’s where we are gathering together gifted singers and musicians to share their talent and inspirational songs that glorify God and bring…

NightShift seeks an experienced Executive Assistant to support the President. NightShift Street Ministries is a not-for-profit, multi-denominational Christian organization that has been working with poor, vulnerable and under-resourced men and women since 2004 in the Surrey area. The ministry’s focus is on building relationships, helping people find hope and purpose and reaching out through unconditional love…

Two thousand years ago, a young teenage, Jewish girl named Mary said “yes” to an impossible God assignment, given to her by the angel Gabriel. Her “yes” changed the world and the impossible happened. “The Word became flesh to dwell among us” (John 1: 14) and a miracle took place. A newborn King, the Messiah,…

When you are struggling to survive a night on the streets or dealing with health or addiction problems and wondering where the next meal will come from, there’s typically little energy left to access services to take a bigger step towards recovery. We decided to bring some of those services to the streets. Literally and…

Support the Art Program I absolutely love how a seed is planted in the hearts of our volunteers and their passion grabs hold of them. With prayer and nurturing that small idea grows into something bigger than they ever dreamed. Some time ago I was talking with Maggie, one of our licensed counsellors and a…

On Wednesday, August 6th, we lost a friend. The void that Carr – Carolyn Reed – has left is hard to describe in words, so we’d like to share some of the memories that rapidly built into a memorial for Carr on the spot where she often spent the night, on the sidewalk next to…

Mike grabbed every opportunity to share his miraculous journey in Christ with others. When I think of Mike these words come to my heart – passion, joy and servanthood. He was always ready to do anything that was needed to be done at NightShift – pick-ups, painting, scrubbing toilets, folding, ironing, serving coffee, loving others.…

This morning I had the lovely opportunity to chat with a roomful of Grade 1 children at Southridge School. The children had made some cards and baked cookies to distribute to our street friends on Valentine’s Day. In return I was able to hand out chocolate hearts from NightShift. Sharing a moment of sweetness with…

Ordinary people doing Extra-ordinary things. Lesley left a huge imprint in my heart exactly one year ago. She had bounced through the door of Sisters Thrift Boutique with bags of clothing to donate for people living on the street. In 2011, I had met Lesley at one of NightShift's volunteer orientations, at which time she…

I absolutely love celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Don’t you? I have a confession to make this evening. I’ve been holding a special birthday card close to my heart and celebrating all day with Papa, reluctant to share the occasion with anyone else. How incredibly selfish is that? So here it is. Today is NightShift’s birthday.…

My heart is full of gratitude this season for the hundreds of people who have given to NightShift Street Ministries with their finances, acts of love and service, and gift-in-kind donations. We say a resounding thank you to everyone who has sacrificed and given to help us through yet another year! In addition to our…

As many of you already know, our mobile care program serves in the heart of Whalley in the form of the Care Bus. Every week we offer nursing and counselling services to street friends at no charge, and we are always looking for new ways to engage with people in need. That’s why we were…

On Wednesday, November 13th, NightShift Street Ministries, in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, will launch a Builders Breakfast Forum. If you are an industry leader involved in developing, building, renovating or selling homes, you won’t want to miss out hearing how Kent Sillars, President of Vesta Properties, builds for success. Vesta Properties built…

See you in the morning… 8 am at the NightShift car park!

Many hands make light work. John Heywood, English playwright and poet, 1497-1580 You may have heard me quote this in the past in describing the positive outcome that team work produces in the ministry and how we couldn’t do all that we do without your ‘hands and feet’, prayers and support. Here’s another interpretation of…

“Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools. …You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see. Everywhere, wherever…

I find it amazing how many parallels there are between my Walk the Walk training and the challenges we face at NightShift – life in general. Every time I lace up either at the track or at the gym, I am reminded how difficult it is to stay faithful to my commitment – at the…

Dedication, Effort and Determination In my recent book, I talk about 7 Steps we can take to create a ‘shift’ in in our lives and in support of NightShift: promote the book, donate clothing, support Sisters Thrift Boutique, volunteer, contribute financially, pray and smile. The number 7 is back as we find ourselves in the…

By Leah Baugh Today I had the privilege to listen to Jonathan’s* story. Jonathan had been in recovery for eight days. Eight days without heroin, but kicked out of a recovery house for smoking a cigarette. He came into the NightShift office a couple of hours later full of fear. He was fearful of being…

By MaryAnne Connor Yesterday was stressful – wrestling with tough decisions, questioning compassion and fatigue. In the midst of it all, I was challenged by this question, “What brings you joy, Mac?” Silence for a second. Have you ever been asked that question? Without giving it much thought, I tossed back a quick answer. In…

“I tried to imagine what it’s like in his shoes.” By Sandy Phillipps People sometimes ask me what results we are seeing on the streets. As if we would give up and move on if we see no change in a person growing stronger in taking responsibility for themselves. The longer I am around, the…

The following funeral arrangements have been made to commemorate Janice Shore–sister and friend to many here in Whalley.  When: Friday, March 8 from 11am-12pm. Where: Avalon Funeral Home, located at 13288, 108 Avenue, Surrey, BC. The memorial service is open to the public. Reception to follow at NightShift Street Ministries from 12-2 pm. Our offices are located…

“I still haven’t made any French toast,” he adds. “I can’t have it without her.” By Idelette McVicker | Twitter: @ideletteWe sat at a small bistro table inside Sisters Thrift Boutique this morning. Ed’s been hanging out on the side of the building here at NightShift, waiting for information about his sister Janice’s death. 8:45pm,…

“Inspiring, Relatable, Trail-blazing, Authentic, Warrior.” By Karen Cooper They say it takes only one. One person to step up. One person to be the change. This past December I received The Shift: The Power of Belief as a birthday present. It’s a local book about a grassroots ministry written by someone I’ve heard about for many…

Starting Sunday, Feb. 17, we will be hosting a 10-week Alpha session for our street friends in Surrey, led by Del and Lynda Thiessen. This is a great opportunity to volunteer or pray for this very special journey. Schedule of Talks (Please pray along):  – Feb 17: Launch party: Is This It? – Feb. 24:…

MaryAnne Connor, president and founder of NightShift Street Ministries, will host a seminar at MissionsFest Vancouver on Friday, Jan. 25 at 4:30pm.  For more information, check out the MissionsFest website and join us! Mac will be speaking about her new book, The Shift: The Power of Belief, telling the stories of how God led her…

We could really use donations of the following food items: Thank you so much for dropping these items off at our office! We are located at 10635 King George Boulevard in Surrey. We really appreciate all your love and support.

Thanks to your wonderful support, our beloved Care Bus has been fixed and freed! It is back on our lot and will faithfully serve our street friends tonight. We are so thankful. Thank you to everyone who helped to Free the Bus by donating and spreading the word. It means so much that we have…

“He’d been dressing his wound, by himself, with toilet paper.” It was a Friday night in Whalley and Paul, one of our street friends, came to the Care Bus with severely swollen legs and an open wound. When he went to the hospital, they wouldn’t give him the time of day. He felt frustrated. The…

I was leaving the office one afternoon last week, a bit later than anticipated, but full of a sense of God’s pleasure at some of the conversations and encounters I had enjoyed earlier in the day. Arms full of file folders, I headed to the parking lot where I was greeted by a surprised voice…

Get a busload of this: teachers from Pacific Academy on their back-to-school outing… At mid-day yesterday, we had almost the entire Pacific Academy teaching body, of close to 90 people, roll up for a quick tour of the ministry. One teacher has been bringing her Pacific Academy students down to our evening outreach on a…

The line up tonight never seemed to end. It was one thirsty traveller after the other, eyes diverted, hearts turned inward, always polite. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’. Hesitant smiles and nods responding to my, “What’s your name?” or “You have beautiful eyes” or “Thank you for waiting and being patient”… One question rose above the…

Whitecourt Church sent us off with full bellies and prayers! I climbed on the bike of one of their congregants. I admit I was more than nervous with travelling down the highway open to the elements, bugs and hefty semi-trucks! As Freedom Biker Church is creating a two-hour documentary, a helicopter followed us for a…

Lord, You own the cattle on a thousand hills. We claim a few to provide for our needs at the Care Cottage and Care Village… It was hard for us to leave behind this very special place after only such a short time, but our journey on Tuesday morning beckoned. Thank you, Pastor Steve, for…

As we travelled the Hudson’s Hope Route for Fort St. John on Monday, we were awestruck once again with God’s brushstrokes on His incredible painting. We arrived at SCARS, Wagner Hills Farm’s northern recovery home, late in the afternoon. I hope we encouraged and inspired them as much as they did us. One of our…

We were out of cell and internet range for much of Sunday, so this update is just a brief one to share some of the images from Day Two. Having spent precious time in Prince George with so many wonderful people, we ended the day in the majesty of the Peace River mountains at Mackenzie…

As we pulled out from Langley, the excitement could not be more tangible. We were off on the 2012 Recovery Ride and if the name of our first stop was anything to go by, our journey was rich in it: Hope. Pastor Chuck had led us in a short devotional about us all being anointed…

Our mission statement revolves around some pretty strong words. At NightShift we’re on a mission and the journey is an exciting one. This month, we have the huge honour of embarking on part of that journey together with Surrey’s Freedom Bike Church, as together we ride for Love, Hope and Purpose on the 2012 Recovery…

On Friday, the last Canadian one-cent coin was struck. As the good luck pennies start to disappear from circulation, we will never forget how lucky we felt on the day that Denis proudly presented to NightShift his jar of pennies.   Denis had stooped and collected in the only way he felt he could support…

This week we were truly blessed to have an INN Missions Group join us from Bellingham, WA. Not only did we benefit from their willingness to join us and our street friends in the evenings, but we had enthusiastic support during the daytime, too. Some of the students went to our new Care Cottage location,…

We value our volunteers for what they bring to our organization, to say nothing of the hours of support they provide. Over the last year, we have been upgrading our Volunteer Services program to empower those who serve with NightShift and equip them to serve effectively together. Now we are pleased to announce another level…

Pastor Steen Laursen was my friend. A man I looked up to and respected. I am sad/happy to hear that he has gone home to be with the Lord. Happy to know he’s dancing with Jesus, free of pain and suffering. Sad, because he’ll be missed by us waiting to go home to Glory! Pastor…

I’d like to share a story with you from one of our recent AOK evenings.  To provide the context, our team walks the designated route, handing out hot chocolate, and we usually stop by the skate park to hang out with the youth there for a bit. We all pour hot chocolates, sit and chat. On this night, we sat down with a group…

Come down any night at around 7 pm and you’ll see a hub of activity around the NightShift centre. Serving tables are set up, the mobile kitchen is brought out, food is made ready and there’s usually a long line of people waiting patiently in turn to receive the steaming hot dish of the night. Every evening, a dedicated team…

As the CBC recently reported, “This winter could be one of the top three coldest winters in the past 20 years for Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia”. Once again NightShift is a designated operator of an overnight Extreme Weather Shelter, ready to open as given notice during the November – March season. This morning we held an…

Monday 3rd October marks the first day of voting for this truly visionary project. NightShift is planing to build ‘a village of retreat, recovery and reintegration’. The Care Village is a safe haven for people seeking restoration. By enabling individuals to rediscover purpose and unconditional love – by supporting them with counselling, life/work skills education and all-round care – the village of care will foster…

The students from PLBC were a tremendous help in organizing the food and supply area of the warehouse. They also helped tackle the large mountain of clothing we currently have to sort through as we gather a new season’s worth of clothing donations.  We welcome youth groups on a drop-in or regular basis. On Thursday mornings we are pleased…

“Grace” has come to the street in a manner of gentle, loving presence, like the name appropriately translated to our dear Charis Dyck. Though “a spark or a vapour that appears for a moment, and is no more,” truly she imparted a lifetime’s worth of love to and upon all who had the privilege of knowing…

In addition to our night-time outreach, we’re always looking for day-time support to help with the ministry’s causes, to reach out in love and care and to ease the suffering of the poverty-stricken in our community. The North Delta Evangelical Free Church had their youth “Explosion” service project spanning the week and we were so thankful they were…

I have been coming out in the evenings as a volunteer at NightShift for over a year and recently I led my first evening. The Lord has been leading me clearly over the last few years to focus my time on people who are marginalized, homeless, poor. To serve here in any capacity has always been so energizing for me.…

The volunteers at NightShift Street Ministries are what this ministry is all about, they become our family. We are so sad to pass on the news that one of our faithful and dedicated volunteers was in a fatal motorcycle accident. Brian McDonald had served with NightShift for a very long time, as part of the family of…

 A note of thanksgiving and praise for the amazing launch of the Care Bus last week. It was truly uplifting to see the wonderful response to the presence of the bus. One gentleman I saw, who recently became homeless, was so appreciative, saying “this is a great idea” and how blessed he was that NightShift…

The Western Canadian Street Soccer Championships are taking place this weekend! Location: Oppenheimer Park (The park is bounded by Jackson Street, Dunlevy Street, Powell Street and East Cordova) Dates and game times this weekend: Saturday, June 4th, noon - 5 pm Sunday, June 5th, 9 am - 12:30 pm Who's involved: The format is small-sided…

Dear Dad, You missed a great night with NightShift. Over 100 street friends served and just a handful of volunteers. I worked in the clothing truck and a fellow named E. came up looking for some size 10 shoes. I had NOTHING to give him, but recalled seeing a larger sized pair of runners in a pile…

Did you know that we've started a soccer team in Whalley that will be connected to the Vancouver Street League? Shawn Forde and Michael Cash brought the idea to NightShift and this month we started bringing soccer to the street. The Vancouver Street League is affiliated with Street Soccer Canada, which is a national partner of the Homeless World Cup, described…

The hearts that a person touches during a lifetime are uncountable… upon their departure from this life those ripples are magnified by the weight of memories upon death. Such tragedy would be unbearable without the gift of faith. From tragedy and times of darkness comes the rising and penetrating light that shines from the Cross…

If you’ve ever wondered what we get up to with our volunteers, we’re going to let you into a little secret… While we work for a very serious cause, we’re doing so with a lightness of heart and a lot of smiles and fun. Ask any of our volunteers (like the PLBC student volunteer pictured above): coming…

The Care Centre offers affordable, quality counselling in the heart of Surrey to anyone in need, while our mobile and accessible Care Bus takes counselling, recovery information, prayer and other services to the street. Yet these are only the first steps in NightShift's broader Care Vision. Take a few minutes to watch our latest video, produced…

I’ve been digging into The Love Dare by Stephen & Alex Kendrick over the last week. Day Three talks about “Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become important to you. It’s hard to care for something you’re not investing in.” This got me thinking! I look around NightShift and see hundreds of volunteers demonstrating,…

With temperatures plummeting and the additional wind-chill factor making a night on the streets unbearable and deadly, Extreme Weather Response shelters are remaining open around the Lower Mainland in an effort to give everyone temporary respite from the elements. We thank our faithful volunteers, and everyone who came forward in response to this week’s call-out for…

In the spirit of Isaiah 61: 1-3a “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, …” March will see us open our Care Bus doors to people living in poverty and often without a permanent address, who are in need of a safe place to seek basic counselling, to access a referral system and…

With the first anniversary at our new location coming up, this week we are celebrating with the final touches:      Our thanks to Stan (Quick Signs) and his crew for producing the signs, to Tony for designing them, to Angie for taking the photos and to everyone: thank you for your patience! You can now find us well and…

Thank you, Best Buy, so much for the donation presentation today, and for our wonderful volunteers who made this happen. This was an unexpected miracle for NightShift!

At the outset of this year we were excited about the prospect of bringing container-based  temporary shelter solutions to our streets. Now the specially altered shipping containers are a reality, provided free of cost and serving as temporary modular housing units until a more permanent solution can be found for our homeless friends in Tri-Cities. In order…

I was saddened to see the report in the Vancouver Sun about Pascal’s last day. The story by Carolyn Hawley captured a sense of what we see every day, of people dwindling outside the line of sight. And yet it offered hope, simply by being printed, to remind us that we are all but characters…

If you’ve been waiting to serve our Lord by giving of your time, do we have an opportunity for YOU! NightShift Street Ministries is again hosting an Extreme Weather Shelter this winter. This is a wonderful opportunity to put mercy into action. The training session is being held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 10 am – 2…

The following article was written by Jacob Zinn, second-year student of Kwantlen’s journalism program. It is reprinted with permission of the author from the Kwantlen Chronicle “Homeless find refuge in Surrey suburbs”. ~~~ Every night, in the parking lot of a low-rise Whalley building off King George Highway, dozens of workers distribute food and clothing to the homeless…

Last weekend saw an amazing work party tackle our food and clothing warehouse, as well as our training and in/out-reach area. The team rearranged and restacked the shelving for a more efficient flow, they cleaned and scrubbed and organized around 1900 sq ft of the ministry’s space in just a few hours. What a totally amazing day with a total of 17…

When using our faith often we forget to be patient. Carmen was both patient and faithful in her earnest prayers for God to supply a walk-in cooler-freezer combo for NightShift. She did not give up after the first, second or even the third year. When NightShift moved into its new facilities on the Boulevard space was at…

It’s official, summer has started: we can put away winter sweaters and boots, strip away thick blankets and duvets, say adieu to shivering cold as we start to enjoy the feel of the sun on our skin. Or can we? When you live on the streets, these items are a necessity all year round. As necessary…

This is my first stab at Live Yak, Face Space, Twiddle and Blug on, as I normally find two e-mail accounts and a certain collaborative management site plenty to keep the tendonitis burning strongly. However, I do acknowledge their usefulness in sharing what is important. Like the lyrics for this song, courtesy of Garry McDonald: It’s time for the…

What does Easter mean to you? Is it a signal that spring with its promise of newness has arrived? Does the season indicate it’s time for a new suit, outfit or patio furniture? Chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts enamour our children and grandchildren. All these things are wonderful. We do enjoy them, especially after…

As a ministry, our mission is to serve “the least of these”, to give people second chances and to provide hope and love to the people in our community. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and…

Each month, close to 100 young people come through NightShift to go out into the streets of Surrey to bring comfort, hope, love and lots of smiling faces to our less fortunate friends. Our AOK (Acts of Kindness) groups prepare hot chocolate and bags of goodies, including items ranging from socks to granola bars. We’re…