Empty Stocking Fund: Working Gear began in 2007 as a volunteer-driven initiative to support low-income workers throughout Metro Vancouver, including immigrants and refugees.
Three years ago, Vancouver’s John Phillip Fraser was struggling to rebuild his life after falling on hard times. After securing an entry-level job at a local construction company, he faced a hurdle: the only boots he could afford were worn hand-me-downs.
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“There were holes in the soles,” said the 39-year-old, who immigrated to Canada from Venezuela as a child and settled in the Downtown Eastside.
“My feet were always soaked and smelled like mould.”
Fraser pressed on, despite his work boots being a constant reminder of his struggle. Then he heard about Working Gear, a charity dedicated to providing clothing and equipment for those who need proper workwear.
Fraser visited the non-profit’s pantry, where he was welcomed by executive director Sarah Beley and outfitted with new steel-toed boots and gear donated by workwear companies such as Red Wing, Keen and Fiber.
“Having clean boots and proper PPE (personal protective equipment) improved my performance, and soon after I was hired by an excavation company offering higher pay,” he said. Since then, Fraser has secured permanent housing and explored other career opportunities.
“Because of this experience, I know that I will never again be that close to poverty.”
Fraser’s story is one of many in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where low-income individuals and newcomers can face barriers to employment.
Beley said that due to growing demand, Working Gear, which began in 2007 as a small, volunteer-driven initiative to help residents of the DTES, has evolved to support low-income workers, immigrants and refugees throughout Metro Vancouver.
Of the approximately 1,700 people served this year, Beley said 40 per cent reside outside Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
She added that over the last two years, Working Gear has seen a significant shift in its client base: newcomers now account for 66 per cent of clients, compared to 14 per cent previously.
Clients used to require referrals from social service agencies, but many of them now walk into the shop after hearing about the organization from friends.
“The one thing in common with all of our clients is they don’t have family or a community around,” Beley said.
“Whether a youth who has aged out of foster care, a person who just got out of prison, or a newcomer from Ukraine or Africa, they just don’t have that support.”
This was the case for Stephen Sijenyi, who immigrated to Vancouver and sought help from Working Gear in 2018.
“I went from Kenya, where I was celebrated by a large group of family and friends, to feeling like I wasn’t trusted by others in Canada — whether because of my clothes or my immigrant status,” the 42-year-old said.
“I didn’t have friends, I didn’t have anyone who I could turn to and ask for help.”
Sijenyi needed work and safety gear, including steel-toe boots and waterproof pants for his first job as a labourer at a coffee recycling plant.
“When I walked in, I went from facing adversity to being welcomed with open arms — it felt like family,” said Sijenyi, who made some of his first Vancouver friends at the organization.
Five years later, Sijenyi owns his own business, has two children, and a large network of friends he considers family. He regularly returns to the organization as one of 60 volunteers who are mostly former clients.
“I couldn’t be living the life I am today without them.”
• For 106 years, The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund has been dedicated to making the holidays brighter for B.C. residents who are less fortunate. With the generosity of our readers and supporters, the fund gives money to 25 B.C. community organizations that provide food hampers and gifts to children, needy families and single people.
Donations can be made by:
Scan the QR code here.
By mail to: The Province Empty Stocking Fund
968 East Cordova St.,
Vancouver, B.C., V6A 1M6
By calling: 604-253-6911