You’re invited to Flourishing: Rediscovering Hope, a day of discovery, insight, and connection. Let’s rediscover hope to see communities flourish!
With so much going on in our world—hunger, crises, disconnection—what can we do? How do we make sense of it, and how do we help? Hope is where flourishing begins. Let’s rediscover it—together! Be part of a transformative day with Food for the Hungry and Canadians like you!
At Flourishing you will discover fresh perspectives, forge new connections, and reignite your sense of hope. Plus, don’t miss the incredible Carlos Whittaker—author of How To Human and Reconnected, podcaster and influencer, and down-to-earth speaker—will leave you laughing and inspired.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
with experts on issues affecting local and global communities
6:30-9:00pm - Keynote event
with featured speaker Carlos Whittaker
Mary Pattison Chapel (Pacific Academy),
10238 168 St., Surrey, BC
$80 / person
($50 / person for Keynote event only)
Group Rates available
Early Bird Discount by Feb 28! Get $15 off!
WORKSHOPS
At Flourishing, you'll choose two of four workshops.
Dive into a choice of educational workshops on issues impacting communities in Canada and abroad. Led by experienced individuals, these sessions are a chance to discuss present-day challenges and explore meaningful solutions—together. You will be inspired with a better understanding on poverty and some of its pressing topics, and leave with practical ways to make a difference in the lives of others.
WORKSHOPS TOPICS AND SPEAKERS — COMING SOON!
KEYNOTE FEATURING
Special Guest
Carlos Whittaker
Author, podcaster, and global speakerWhen Carlos enters a room, he makes people feel seen. His super power is creating spaces—online and in-person—where people are safe to engage in conversation about the topics that matter most but are often avoided. His motto: don’t stand on issues, walk with people. That’s the professional stuff—but all day every day, Carlos is a family man.
He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and dancing to Single Ladies (seriously, Google it).
IT’S ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS
What is poverty? Explore a fresh perspective at Flourishing.
How we define the problem determines what the solutions will be. Consider all the facets of your life; we bet you can categorize them within four essential relationships—a relationship to God, self, others, or creation. Poverty emerges where any of these are broken.
Ending poverty is about reconciling broken relationships. Let’s work together to understand poverty and how we can make lasting changes in communities worldwide and in our own backyards.
Register Now
Early Bird Discount by Feb 28! Get $15 off!
Questions? We have answers!
For general questions, group rates or other logistics please contact:
Rachelle Vogel, Events and Trips Coordinator
For special event questions, or to connect with a local representative, please contact:
Shelaine Strom, Public Engagement Manager
FAQ
A. We suggest casual or business casual. Dress for a day of learning and connecting with others!
Q. How will parking work for the event?
A. Free parking—yes, you read that right—will be available surrounding the Mary Pattison Chapel. Parking lot gates will be open for people to enter and exit freely.
Q. Will the event provide lunch and supper?
A. No, please eat lunch before arriving. Refreshments will be provided throughout the afternoon. There will be a two-hour break between sessions from 4:30-6:30pm for supper. Here is a sampling of some nearby restaurants:
• Sushi Zion | Japanese — 10422 168 St, Surrey
• Pasta Timo | Italian — 16033 108 Ave Unit 407, Surrey
• Papa’s Box | Korean — 15976 108 Ave #105, Surrey
• Malaysian Hut | Malaysian— 14727 108 Ave, Surrey
• Sumerian Grill BBQ | Middle Eastern— 14752 108a Ave, Surrey
• Palmyra Mediterranean Grill | Mediterranean — 10020 152 St, Surrey
• Guildford Town Centre | Food Court— 10355 152 St, Surrey
Q. Does the venue have an accessibility entrance?
A. The Mary Pattison Chapel is committed to serving all visitors and staff, including those with disabilities. There are no stairs to the main auditorium.