“It Gives Me Pride”

Peter Thompson believes Hope in Shadows has given him not only an income, but a purpose and increased self-confidence.

"It gives me pride and an opportunity to get out and do something."

Peter was a first-time entrant in the annual photography contest last year. He managed to pick up an honourable mention for an endearing portrait of his sister's pets called Bambi and Sylvester.

Warm clothes for the winter were some of Peter's main purchases with money earned, and also presents for his family. "Around Christmas time it helped me and my sisters get together as a family and I could get gifts for my nieces and nephews," adding that he bought some comfortable shoes for himself on Boxing Day.

Peter says that before Hope in Shadows he did odd jobs including collecting bottles and cans for their deposit money. While the extra income and daily self-purpose are major benefits, Peter also enjoys the social aspects of sales. "It helps me to get to meet people, and I could learn from them, and we could talk about different things."

Peter takes computer courses at the UBC Learning Exchange and will soon have logged enough volunteer hours at Free Geek to build himself a refurbished computer.