Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) held its sixth annual Ladies’ Night on Friday, March 9, bringing together more than 200 immigrant and refugee women for a celebration in honour of International Women’s Day.
“Our clients look forward to this event all year,” said Community Connections coordinator Andrea Loewen.
“The ladies we work with have stories filled with hope, pain, perseverance, and resilience. This evening is a chance for all of us – guests, volunteers, and staff – to come together and celebrate our stories and cultures together.”
The Community Connections Program at ACS supports newcomers with a wide range of settlement needs, including life skills classes, social activities and connections with volunteers through a friendship-based matching program.
Performances at the event included hip-hop dancing by Yobdee Marazzi and Chinese traditional dancing by Dream Maker Dance Studio.
The evening also featured dinner, dessert and break-out sessions that included chair yoga, jewelry making, art, DIY body scrubs, hair styling, bhangra, and Zumba.
Free childcare was offered for women who attended.
The event received support from a number of local businesses and organizations, and the space was provided by Central Heights Church.