Founded in 1993, and built on the belief that no one should have to face the many challenges of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illness alone, the Vancouver Friends for Life Society is a holistic wellness centre with a comprehensive list of support services. Our mission is to provide emotional, informational, spiritual, and practical support to people living with life-challenging illness. Our philosophy recognizes the connection between mind, body, and soul with a view towards supporting the whole person rather than focus solely on the illness.

Our wellness programs are intended to complement primary medical care. Offered in a safe, and confidential environment, these programs are designed to help our members gain control over their health and to reduce anxiety, stress, and isolation from managing their illness.

Vancouver Friends for Life Society welcomes people in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland facing life challenges associated with HIV, hepatitis C, cancer and other life-interrupting illnesses to participate in specialized support programs.

West Coast Seeds has provided seeds for our community garden in the West End, the bounty from which feeds our clients at our Wednesday free lunch program that aims to reduce food insecurity and social isolation amongst our client members.

Our lunches feed 60 people per week and enables urban clients and volunteers to learn gardening, healthy meal preparation and sustainability skills.

Our goals are:
- To support client-members in taking an active role in their health care and maintenance

- To empower client-members with a selection of wellness practices that complement their other treatments, and to offer support through community sharing and participation

- To offer physical, spiritual, personal and social support so that our client-members attain their personal wellness goals

- To help client-members be proactively engaged in their well-being, as they look forward to a future of wellness and active participation in our community.

Friends for Life is celebrating 30 years in our home at the Diamond Centre for Living in 2025 and we have seen over 500 members come through our doors in that time, many of whom begin volunteering at the organization shortly after joining, attesting to the power of our community building.

Visit their website, Facebook page, and Instagram page.