Many WISH participants are often separated or estranged from their families and loved ones. Birthdays and other holidays can be lonely times. At WISH, women receive a personal gift put together by a long-time WISH volunteer on their birthday and major holidays are occasions for special meals and activities.  At Christmas, for example, WISH has a traidtional turkey dinner - often with turkeys donated by comapanies and individuals. Since 2004,  Capers/Whole Foods have donated all their salads and deli items to WISH, contributing to a sumptuous holiday feast for all!
Year round, the staff, participants and volunteers plan a monthly special event - karaoke parties, a summer barbeque, a Mexican fiesta, a pajama party with lots of great costumes - all in the name of fun.

Women who come to WISH also participate in community special events including the Women's Memorial March held each February 14th for the last 19 years.  Community members, including women in the WISH Literacy Program, have been involved in making the commemorative quilt that is carried through the Downtown Eastside this day, memorializing women who have gone missing from here or who have died here.
See photos of the March in the Picture Gallery numbers 9, 10, 11, 12.

 Recently we held the Annual Crab park Barbeque.  The Events Committee that is made up of staff, participants and volunteers organize all the food, games and decorations.  This year the weather was beautiful and once again Linda Malcolm, the VPD Sex Industry Liaison Officer arranged for WISH to borrow the Chinese Community Policing Centre barbeque.  This year's event was funded through the Vancouver Foundation Neighbourhood Grants Program.  Thanks to everyone for their contributions!