Thank you for supporting the 24 Hr Homeless Fundraiser 2024. We will be back next year!
In August 2023, MCSS hosted the first-of-its kind event in Mission to raise awareness and generate funding for the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). Click here to find out more about the MMU. Each year, upto 10 community members participate in an immersive experience of homelessness; with a goal of collectively raising funds through a pledge drive.
Participants begin their experience at Mission Community Services Shelter. They are expected to face some of the same challenges that homeless people encounter every day, as part of building awareness. They arrive with no phones/cash/cards/keys and ID, stay overnight at this location and are subject to the same rules as a person who is staying at the shelter. A case worker will check them in and perform an intake interview. The following morning, a case plan of tasks to be completed during their stay will be assigned. The event concludes with a de-brief dinner to discuss their experience and share learnings. Family members are welcome to join and share their perspective while their loved one was “homeless for 24 hrs”.
Donations are accepted online here and in person at our main office on 33179 2nd Ave, Mission, BC.
Donations are accepted online and in person at our main office on 33179 2nd Ave, Mission, BC.
To donate online,
Click Here
Meet our 2024 participants
Helen McCready
A Canadian citizen, Helen began working as an actor in 1988 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Helen started out on the hit TV show "21 Jump Street" as well as assisted in extra casting at the Denise Love Talent Agency. She moved to Arizona in 1994 where she continued her career working as a casting director assistant.
In 1999, Helen launched Helen McCready Casting in Phoenix, Arizona and eventually moved to Los Angeles, California. Her success as a casting director has continued with Director Sam Mendes "Away We Go" and many other projects including Meryl Streep's 2009 "It's Complicated".
As a semi-retired casting director, with four projects in development, Helen decided to enjoy the world of the RV life. Extremely excited to take on this latest adventure!
Kobe Bhatti
Kobe Bhatti is a dedicated realtor with EXP Group, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to his community involvement. Previously the driver of the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU), Kobe has firsthand experience in delivering essential healthcare services to those in need. His diverse background in healthcare and real estate uniquely positions him to understand and address the challenges faced by underserved populations.
Join Kobe in making a difference by supporting his fundraising campaign. Together, we can ensure that vital medical services continue to reach those who need them most.
Jash Bains
Jash Bains is currently an elected trustee for the Mission Public School Board, where she has the distinction of being the first Sikh-Canadian woman to serve in this capacity. She is the founder and Chair of the Punjabi Mutiyaaran Women’s Society, for which she has an incredible passion to dedicate her time and efforts in empowering women. Alongside her role in the education realm, she works as a healthcare professional and is involved in her local union, as a Shop Steward.
Jash also serves on the board of the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Council, which supports both local and international immigrants. She is deeply involved in community outreach, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment.
With a diverse and rich background, Jash is dedicated to advocating for women and children, in a variety of ways. In her personal life, Jash enjoys participating in social gatherings, dressing up in ethnic wear to promote diversity, and engaging in various forms of cultural dance.
Marilu Sachade
Marilu Sachade moved to Canada in 1984 from Peru and settled in Mission in 1999. Marilu is married and has a large family, including six children and seventeen grandchildren.
Marilu enjoys playing volleyball, walleyball, and pickleball. She has a passion for meeting new people and forming friendships wherever she goes. Her faith is a central part of her life, and she is committed to living out the teachings of Jesus by showing love and compassion to others, and dedicating her time, energy, talents, and resources to activities that align with her beliefs.
With over twenty years of experience as a health worker, Marilu has worked extensively with the elderly and individuals with special needs. She has also been actively involved in her church, particularly in working with children.
Marilu understands that everyone is on a unique journey in life and believes in the importance of supporting one another.
Roger Dowker
Roger was born in Toronto 76 years ago. In 2003 he moved to Mission; started a relationship with Janet and being active in the community.
Independently and as a couple, Roger has given generously and enthusiastically; his time and skills to many community groups and organizations over the last 21 years such as Mission City Farmers Market, Mission Fest, Be the Change Action Circle, to name a few. Roger continues to be involved with Mission Community Services Society, Mission Association for Seniors Housing, Mission Food Coalition, Feeding Futures Committee, Starfish Backpack program and Rotary.
Roger truly exemplifies that we are all in this together and share in the opportunity to make Mission a more caring and compassionate community.
On April 11th 2024, Roger and Janet were honored at the Community Services Award as the 2024 Citizens of the Year by the City of Mission.
Miriam Bozman
Miriam enjoys working and volunteering locally in roles that contribute to the community. As Executive Director at Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, she brings a passion for small local businesses and extensive experience in administration, event planning, marketing, and networking.
Miriam also serves as VP of Wonder Women Society, an organization providing scholarships to women in need of all ages. She is on the Board of Directors for the Abbotsford Hospice Foundation and regularly volunteers with Hope Central.
Highlights from the 24 Hr Homeless Fundraiser, August 2023
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