Centennial Park played host to Union Gospel Mission (UGM)'s annual Summer BBQ on Friday (Aug. 16).
Staff and volunteers prepared hundreds of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and pop to give to community members, with leftovers handed out through Union Gospel Mission's Mobile Mission van. Union Gospel Mission has been hosting a summer barbecue in Mission and the Fraser Valley for 18 years.
"Some of our staff members who have worked out in Mission for UGM have actually seen generations of families come to the barbecue," Union Gospel Mission communications manager Nicole Mucci said.
Though the barbecue is intended for those in the area who are struggling with issues such as homelessness, poverty and addiction, all were welcome.
"Anybody is always welcome for the barbecue,because one of the most important aspects for any community really is connection, and particularly when folks perhaps are struggling with homelessness or addiction or poverty, having community connection and celebration is so important," Mucci said.
Union Gospel Mission outreach teams work to connect those in need in Mission to service providers in the Fraser Valley. It also has a women's recovery home in Mission and a mobile van that goes out into local neighbourhoods.
