B.C. girl raises $500 for tokens to feed those in need in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

A girl of just 11, Keanna Lai, has been an active fundraiser for Downtown Eastside over recent years. She has now gathered sandwich tokens worth $500 for the needy. Lai is passionate about giving back to her community and helping out those living on the streets. She acquired the tokens from Save On Meats, located on West Hastings Street and home to a charity known as A Better Life Foundation. These tokens can be exchanged for a meal at the diner.

Explaining her earlier fundraising initiatives, Lai said, "I started with a mini garage sale where I sold my old toys and clothes. I also had a lemonade stand.” Now she is considering bake sales or arts and crafts as her next endeavor.

Lai began her fundraising journey in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with sock donations. She mentioned that she feels fortunate for her home and meals and wants to support her community in gratitude.

Lai’s mother, Grace Kuo, proudly spoke of her daughter, who has a keen tendency to assist those who are less fortunate, particularly the vulnerable residents of Vancouver. She emphasized that their family and her daughter pay special attention to the Downtown Eastside residents in need. Kuo mentioned that they frequently commute through the area and have had several positive interactions there.

Meanwhile, Lai distributed some of the tokens in the area on Wednesday. Her actions have been recognized by the A Better Life Foundation, where she has been acknowledged as a key member of the team. Ash McLeod, the foundation’s executive director, praised Lai's efforts and her dedication to actively aid the community. He lauded that "her alone, this 11 year old, will be providing 130 meals to people who otherwise wouldn’t have had one, and that’s a massive deal."