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The Roll For Warmth Christmas Convoy

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"Role for Warmth" Charity Campaign Brings Vital Support to Vancouver’s Homeless Community

Vancouver, BC – [Date] – Role for Warmth, a grassroots charity initiative founded by Elliot Way, is once again gearing up for its annual mission to bring warmth and essential supplies to those most vulnerable in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This charitable endeavor, which has grown from humble beginnings to a vital community tradition, is set to make a meaningful impact this holiday season, with support from the Rolling Thunder Van Club and The River Vintage, a beloved local vintage clothing business.

A Decade of Dedication
Elliot Way launched Role for Warmth over ten years ago, starting with nothing more than his 1970s boogie van, a passion for vintage clothing, and a deep commitment to supporting those in need. Leveraging his 15 years of experience in the vintage clothing industry, Elliot was able to connect with textile warehouses, collecting thousands of pounds of gently used clothing, including sleeping bags, blankets, coats, socks, and other essential warm garments.

With his van packed to the brim, Elliot would then embark on a self-driven mission through Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, distributing these items directly to people experiencing homelessness and those suffering from the city's ongoing housing crisis. The simple but powerful act of giving has continued to grow over the years, expanding into a community-wide effort supported by volunteers, businesses, and local organizations.

The Rolling Thunder Van Club & the "Roll for Christmas" Convoy
In 2020, Elliot co-founded the Rolling Thunder Van Club with a group of friends who shared his love for vintage 1970s vans and van culture. The club quickly embraced Role for Warmth as a signature activity, transforming it into an annual event known as the "Roll for Christmas Convoy." For the past five years, members of the Rolling Thunder Van Club have filled their classic vans with warm clothing, blankets, survival kits, dog food, gift cards, and other much-needed supplies, then convoyed through the Downtown Eastside to distribute the donations to those in need.

The convoy typically culminates at the Patricia Hotel parking lot, where volunteers hand out items directly to the community. In addition to winter clothing, the event has grown to include essential survival gear like headlamps, snacks, and hygiene products to help individuals endure the harsh winter months.

Upcoming Fundraising Events
To ensure the continued success of Role for Warmth, Elliot is hosting two special fundraising events this December:

Ballads for Blankets – A live music fundraiser at The Heatley on December 12th, where Elliot and his band will perform to raise funds for the campaign.
Christmas Charity Event – A holiday celebration at Wise Hall on December 20th, where attendees can donate blankets, clothing, and other winter essentials.
The funds raised at these events will directly support the acquisition of warm clothing and sleeping bags for distribution, with the convoy set to take place in January or February 2024 – after most holiday-driven charity efforts have concluded but the need for support remains critical.

A Lasting Legacy
As Vancouver continues to grapple with its ongoing housing crisis, the Role for Warmth initiative provides a vital lifeline to those living on the streets. Through the generosity of community members, local businesses, and passionate volunteers, Elliot and his team are making a tangible difference in the lives of people who often go unseen and unheard.






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Donations 

  • Elliot Way
    • $1,500
    • 2 mos
  • Marshall Ferguson
    • $45
    • 2 mos
  • Madeline Perry
    • $15
    • 2 mos
  • Joshua Ryan
    • $40
    • 2 mos
  • Marilyn Myo-Lwin
    • $25
    • 2 mos
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Organizer

Elliot Christopher Way
Organizer

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