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SHARE borrows from John Lennon for 'Imagine' gala in Coquitlam

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Posted on January 28, 2025 by

The 20th annual SHARE Imagine fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, 2025, takes a page from the hit song by John Lennon.

Tri-City News article by reporter Janis Cleugh

Listen to this article 00:03:22

A song from more than 50 years ago that calls for peace, unity and the end to war is the theme for this year’s SHARE Imagine gala.

The Tri-City social services agency is using the John Lennon hit from 1971 as it marks the 20th anniversary gala by casting its own call to action to help with the ever-growing need for local services and supports.

SHARE CEO Claire MacLean told the Tri-City News that the nonprofit had more than 30,000 visits last year to the food bank, for counselling, programs and job advice, “and we expect to be tracking above that in 2025.”

MacLean expects with the Christmas holidays now over and the bills mounting, more Tri-City residents are expected reach out for help.

The pressure on the organization ramped up in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said; however, when the health emergency was over, inflation rose and the economy faltered. The compounding ripple effects have had devastating consequences for many Tri-City households.

“I think it’s stressful right now for people who are vulnerable,” MacLean said, adding, “but there is also geopolitical turmoil in the world that’s having an impact in Canada. With the possible [U.S.] tariffs, we may likely be also going into a recession. We are facing the same cultural, political and economic struggles as when the song was written 50 years ago.”

Still, MacLean said while Tri-City residents are feeling the financial pinch and mental health strains, good work is being done to lift people out of poverty and sadness. And, in many cases, SHARE has seen lives change for the better.

“Our models of service are working and creating a stronger community," she said.

Last year’s Imagine festivities brought in $250,000 for SHARE.

MacLean said this year's Imagine gala — to be held on Saturday, March 8 at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, in Coquitlam — is meant to highlight successes and honour businesses that have backed SHARE over the years.

Wesbild, a company building in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, is sponsoring the event; early bird tickets at $150 are on sale until Friday, Feb. 7. Afterwards, the price will rise to $175 per ticket.

“Businesses are the backbone of a healthy community,” she said. “We want to spread gratitude to them and give kudos where deserved.”

Businesses that want to sponsor the Imagine gala can email darcel.moro@sharesociety.ca. 

Auction items are also sought; email community@sharesociety.ca to learn more about participating.

About the Event

Join us for our 20th annual IMAGINE Gala, proudly presented by Wesbild, where we reflect on two decades of imagining the possibilities of an inclusive and thriving community. SHARE provides vital services that empower individuals and families to live, participate, contribute, and reach their full potential—creating a place where everyone belongs.

Together, donors, supporters, and community members come to celebrate the breadth of SHARE’s impact. Enjoy an evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Let’s continue to imagine and create a brighter future for everyone.

Dress Code: Cocktail Attire.

Tickets

Silent Auction

Support IMAGINE and bid on over $35,000 worth of products, services, and prizes, all in support of positive change. You don’t need to attend IMAGINE to participate in the bidding (though we'd be thrilled to have you there!). Simply visit our online silent auction, create your account, and start bidding – easy!

Bid on Prizes - Auction site coming soon.

Tickets are now available! Secure yours here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/imagine-2025-tickets 

Your support helps SHARE to:

  • Fill the SHARE Food Bank with healthy food to feed those in our community who are hungry
  • Fund support for refugees and newcomers to our community, including access to free English Language Practice Groups
  • Assist seniors to live independently with the vital support they need to thrive
  • Provide counselling and support for youth struggling with mental health, including substance use
  • Support legal programs including family law, poverty law, and tenant advocacy
  • Invest in Family Resource Programs, a free, drop-in play programs for children 0-6 years including parent education, early childhood support for newcomer and refugee families, families with neurodiverse children, and families living in poverty
  • Empower the Tri-Cities Rent Bank to provide critical support to residents facing short-term financial challenges and help them stay securely housed
  • Champion kids and youth with developmental delays and disabilities in our Community Living, Early Intervention Therapy Services and SEEDS – Social Emotional Early Development Services

Event Sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please get in touch with Darcel Moro, Manager of Community Engagement, at darcel.moro@SHAREsociety.ca or call 604-703-3476.

Silent Auction Donations & General Enquiries

Contact our friendly team at community@SHAREsociety.ca to donate silent auction items and for any questions you may have about this year's IMAGINE.

IMAGINE 2025 is Proudly Presented by 



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