Xmas WISH list

One of the greatest privileges of the profession I am entering is the opportunity to walk right into people's lives and (to repeat an instructor's recent words) "often take more out of the relationship than I give". As a student, I will be undoubtedly guilty of this.

I await these interactions with anticipation and absolute fear...knowing that my life experience thus far limits me to relating to a relatively small population of people on a true, genuine level. In hopes of giving back to these individuals who will initially shape my experience as a health care provider, I am thankful for the abundance of volunteer opportunities that have been sent my way and to those who have been devoted to the establishment and continuity of these organizations for the benefit of the individuals, the community and the personal growth of the volunteers who work there.

WISH Drop-In Centre Society provides basic amenities, health services and safety to women who work in the sex-trade in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities for anyone who is interested and a wealth of programs and services that I urge you to check out...especially the Mobile Acccess Project that I feel is particulary rad: http://www.wish-vancouver.net/index.cfm?go=site.index&section=programs&page=map). A less involved means of supporting the centre or the women who go there, is to provide donations of clothing, gently used cosmetics, books, etc. So next time you fill your car with boxes for value village, please think again about what items might be of use to WISH. See this link for details on what they look for on a regular basis: http://www.wish-vancouver.net/index.cfm?go=site.index&section=wish_list&page=wish_list

After attending my orientation there, I can't reiterate enough the power of people helping people and especially, women helping women. A new shirt and a touch of mascara goes a long way girls...that's pretty much a universal law of women! So next time you come across those bottles of body cream your aunt has given you for the last eight years consecutively, or that (barely worn) bra that is too big now that you went off the pill, add them to your WISH list and get festive this christmas!

Note: Any NEW items will be elaborately wrapped at the centre and stored for birthdays...how awesome!?