Stopping by the gift wrapping station at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre this holiday season will do more than reduce the amount of wrapping you need to do. A lot more!
In fact, in addition to raising vital funds for Archway Community Services, which provides programming for everyone from newborns to seniors in the Fraser Valley, you’ll also be providing valuable work experience and life skills for young newcomers to Canada.
Formerly known as Abbotsford Community Services until 2019, the Archway name change better reflects the full scope of their programs, and the communities they serve outside of Abbotsford. Programs serve all age groups and range from health and housing to education and employment.
The gift wrapping booth is open daily through Dec. 24 and proceeds will support Archway’s Immigrant Youth Services, which offers a variety of programs to help newcomer youth integrate into life in Canada, and its Community Connections program, supporting newcomers through educational classes, relationship building and social activities.
About 25 youth will be volunteering at the booth through the month, an opportunity that offers both a chance to support Archway and a stepping stone to what could be their first job in Canada.
“It’s more than fundraising, it’s a good opportunity to gain work experience, transferrable skills and a reference they can put on their resumes,” explains Coby Piazza, Archway’s Coordinator of Immigrant Youth Services, featuring after-school programming like homework support and social networking that provides life skills and helps alleviate isolation.
During their volunteer shifts at Sevenoaks, youth will also meet and interact with others in their community, with a co-ordinator on hand to help as needed – including one returning coordinator who volunteered as a gift-wrapper in previous years!
As a gathering place for the community, Sevenoaks is thrilled to continue the holiday gift-wrapping tradition, says Jasmeen Toor, Marketing Manager for the shopping centre.
“The work the Archway staff and volunteers do is so valuable to our community – we’re happy to be a part of it, and to offer a welcome service to our shoppers at this busy time of year. It really is an opportunity to give back on many levels,” Toor says.
Find the gift-wrapping station next to Hudson’s Bay at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, with volunteers on hand daily:
- Sunday to Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wrapping is available by donation, based on product size: small package, $5; medium package $7; large package $10; or extra-large package for $12.
Wrapping for a larger group? Call or email to ask about corporate group gift wrap orders!
For more information, call
