Vendor profile: Sandra

Though Sandra Czechaczak has worked as a Hope in Shadows vendor for eight years, she says having a winning photograph, an image of a shopping cart getting drenched by heavy rain in the 2011 calendar, was one of her best experiences with this project.

“It was pretty cool thinking that my picture was hanging up on people’s walls.”

Hope in Shadows has built confidence in Sandra. When we asked her what it was like when she started selling the calendar in 2004 she said, “It was hard the first year because it was new to me, and people didn’t really know much about it either. I had to do a lot more explaining and I was a lot quieter then.”

Sandra demonstrates her initial shyness by saying ‘Hope in Shadows’ in a small, uncertain voice as if she were selling the calendar that first year. Today she’s more comfortable telling people about the photography contest and calendar, and she uses humour to connect with people.

Sandra introduced her partner, C.D., to selling the calendar four years ago. "She [C.D.]didn’t want to do it because she didn’t think she could. And I said, ‘Anybody can do it. If I can do it
you can,’" says Sandra, adding that after C.D. sold her first calendar she was gung-ho. "She was running up and down saying, 'I just sold one!'" says Sandra.

Sandra also works with the Hope in Shadows Vendor Advisory Board which meets weekly to give input on decisions around vendor issues. Being elected by her peers for this position, Sandra describes the opportunity as “a real honour”. “I hope I do a good job.”

Sandra’s involvement in the Downtown Eastside community also includes working the front desk and as a building service worker for Atira Women’s Resource Society. She’s a former board member of VANDU (Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users) and WAHRS (Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society).

The Hope in Shadows project has helped her in more than one way. Sandra works hard and is proud of her achievements as a vendor and photographer, and being elected to the Vendor Advisory Board demonstrates that she is respected by her peers. Most importantly, however, is that Sandra has gained self-esteem through her hard work and commitment, and she strives to share her success with others.

by Michelle Andrews