

In just a few short years, the Invis & Friends Homeless Shelter Project, often referred to as “Angels in the Night,” has grown to be a national charity effort.
It all began in 2002, when Bruce Coleman, a Senior Mortgage Consultant at Invis, had a vision – if mortgage brokers around Vancouver could use their resources to raise money, they could then make a significant impact on the poor and homeless living in and around the streets of the city’s downtown eastside. His idea seemed fitting: who better to help the homeless than those who make a successful living providing services in the housing industry. Others at Invis quickly joined Bruce in his plan, and over $17,000 was raised.
On a cold night in mid-December, 2002, over 30 volunteers delivered hundreds of blankets and other supplies to shelters and drop-in centres throughout Vancouver. Not surprisingly, word spread and Invis brokers in other cities eagerly joined in the effort. By 2006, the event spanned 12 centres across Canada, with hundreds of volunteers taking part and raising over $300,000 for the homeless.
Invisians and partners working together to load motor homes and buses with blankets and coats, hands reaching out to receive the gifts, a man serenading us with a Christmas carol in thanks, a shelter filled with joy and gratitude… these and many more moments and thoughts capture the essence of this annual night of giving.