Happy Valentine’s Day — where we celebrate love in all its beautiful forms; friendship, romance, family, kindness, and community.The Downtown Eastside is full of love, connection and support – yet there’re very few places where love can be honoured and celebrated. Whether it’s a long term committed partners, a brand new romance, mom and daughter, friends sharing a meal —love is love, and it deserves to be celebrated. We’re so proud that our space is a safe, warm and welcoming space for so many people to be together, so often. But each year at this time, we make a special point to really centre love at Plenty of Plates.

The Story of John and Sam:

Eighteen years ago, John was frantically searching through the garbage, desperate to find something he had lost. Amid his scramble, he looked up and saw Sam. At that moment, he told me she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. From that day forward, they’ve been together, sharing their lives in this neighbourhood. Stories like theirs remind us that love thrives in our community. Creating a safe, welcoming space where couples and friends can celebrate that love is very important to us.

This year, we were able to create a heartfelt Valentine’s event thanks to the generosity of our community partners. A huge thank you to GBL Architects for hosting, Whole Foods West 8th for their beautiful donation of flowers and chocolates, and Magik Moments for providing a photobooth that captured the joy of the day. These keepsakes mean the world to our guests—many of whom rarely have the opportunity to take home photos of themselves.

 

 

Love isn’t just about one day—it’s about the ongoing support, care, and compassion we show to one another. We’re grateful for the chance to celebrate together and to remind everyone that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!