Volunteers Make 200 Sandwiches for Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

On August 9, 2025, our volunteers with the Volunteer Wave program prepared and served 200 fresh sandwiches for The Dugout, a much-loved Downtown Eastside charity that offers a welcoming “living room” environment for the community.

For decades, The Dugout has been a refuge for those facing housing insecurity, serving food, coffee, and snacks to unhoused folks, such as those staying in shelters at night. But with their current temporary location lacking a kitchen, they’ve been unable to provide their signature offering: hot, nutritious soups. That’s where our team came in.

Armed with ingredients and teamwork, our volunteers delivered 100 ham-and-cheese sandwiches and 100 peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches, along with fruit cups for a sweet, refreshing treat.

The day was buzzing with activity! Volunteers set up a cheerful sandwich-making assembly line, cranking out ham-and-cheese first before moving on to peanut butter-and-jelly. Midway through, a quick supply run to Costco kept the momentum going. Once the sandwiches were ready, our team had the rewarding opportunity to serve them directly to The Dugout’s clients. We were able to connect face-to-face with community members, staff, board members, and fellow volunteers.

In a neighbourhood where food security is a daily challenge, something as simple as a sandwich can make a real difference, especially with providing more nutrients. Partnering with The Dugout helps us fill their most urgent needs—especially as they adapt to their temporary space with limited resources. These giving events remind us of the heart of Vancouver’s volunteer community: people showing up, working together, and making sure no one is forgotten.

Get Involved

As a Volunteer Centre, Captain Scott Legacy Society is committed to connecting passionate people with opportunities where they’re needed most. Organizations like The Dugout depend on volunteers to keep their doors open and their programs running. Join our Volunteer Wave Program today to start supporting organizations like The Dugout who have a great need for both individual and group volunteers.