Music and the smell of homemade, warm soup filled the air in downtown Aldergrove on Sunday, Oct. 20, when the almost magical blue bus arrived to serve those in need. 

The initiative began in 1988 in downtown Vancouver by David Poulette, who bought the bus for sale from a nearby church and converted it into a mobile food bank and soup kitchen.  

His first night, he recalls serving about 50 people on Granville Street and its only grown since. 

"Sometimes we had over 500 people in our lines," Poulette said. 

In 2007, he followed people living with homelessness who were pushed into the Fraser Valley and has remained in Aldergrove and Abbotsford since. 

Approximately 80 people turned up despite the third day of heavy rain in the Fraser Valley. 

The dozen volunteers, including Poulette's wife and daughter, came out to help distribute meals and groceries. 

"We also see, what we call, the 'working poor.' So that's the people who have jobs but don't make enough money to buy food and pay rent at the same time," Poulette said. 

"There's also some with addictions, which plays a big role, as well as brain injuries. So people with mental health concerns are also [part of] our clientele." 

The blue bus -- and a van -- were full of donated produce, which is safely stored and then organized by volunteers each week for distribution on Sundays, alternating between Aldergrove and Abbotsford.

The blue bus also hosts a full turkey dinner for Christmas. 

Janice Poulette said they could use donations of blankets, coats, and food. 

Anyone with questions or donations can contact David at 604-728-7551. 

More information can be found online at  

The blue bus will be in Abbotsford next on Sunday, Oct. 27.