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His Christianity played an important role in his volunteer work, he said.

“I understand that my faith has played a big part in terms of receiving grace, receiving second, third, fourth, fifth chances and being able to learn from my mistakes,” he said. “I think the one thing I always try to keep in my mind is, don’t ever judge anybody because you could easily be in their shoes.”

Photo by Gerry Kahrmann / PNG

UGM volunteer and client Chloe Milne, 27, said she too understands the importance of second chances after surviving a fentanyl overdose last year. Milne said she felt “so lucky to have the chance to even be here and to experience this beautiful life,” after thriving in UGM’s Sanctuary recovery program.

The longtime NBA fan was pleased to be standing in the company of a basketball hero, who she found to be humble.

“It’s so great for him to be here and give some attention to what’s happening in Vancouver and with the homeless and fentanyl crisis,” she said.

Photo by Gerry Kahrmann / PNG

UGM spokesman Jeremy Hunka said the mission’s staff and volunteers were thrilled that Lin accepted their invitation.

“I know what it’s like for some of our community, especially if they’re homeless or struggling, and they feel totally forgotten, they feel like people ignore them,” Hunka said.

“To have somebody with that star status sit down with them or serve them a meal and take time out of his busy rehabilitation is amazing. It just shows that people care, and it reminds people they have dignity. And, hopefully, it will inspire the rest of us to do much better.”

neagland@postmedia.com

twitter.com/nickeagland