Archway Community Services hosts gift-wrapping booth at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre
Shoppers at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre can save time this holiday season by using the gift-wrapping booth organized by Archway Community Services.
The service is available every day until Dec. 24 at the community booth located outside of the Hudson’s Bay store.
Proceeds support educational classes, after-school homework clubs, social activities, and events to help newcomers build connections within their community.
The Archway Immigrant Youth Services program is one of the programs that will benefit, and many of their clients are also volunteering.
“The youth enjoy giving back and it gives them a chance to practice their English and gain valuable volunteer experience,” said Murad Ahmed, the Immigrant Youth Services coordinator.
“The annual gift wrap booth presents a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas, cultures and experiences across age groups.”
Jeya, a longtime volunteer at Community Connections and the gift wrap booth remarked that volunteering in a positive environment is good for her mental wellness.
“Volunteering with Archway has been fun for me. It also helped me to meet new people and develop lasting relationships. It is also an easy way to explore one’s interest and passion. Most of all, it is a way to pay forward to our/my community,” said Jeya.
Those who are interested in volunteering, can visit the gift-wrapping home page to sign up.
In 2023, just over $5,000 was raised which also benefitted the Archway Community Connections Program.
“These funds allow us to provide food during their group programs, host an International Women’s Day event, and purchase special-care items for newcomer families at the holidays,” said Elise Marier, the program supervisor.
A corporate gift-wrapping service is also offered so local companies can save time on their client or staff gift wrapping, while also supporting newcomers.
There will also be a drop off bin at the gift-wrapping booth accepting non-perishable food donations for the Archway Food Bank.
For more information on the gift-wrapping booth or to sign up as a volunteer, visit the gift-wrapping home page.
Non-perishable food donations will also be accepted at the gift-wrapping booth.
“These funds allow us to provide food during group programs, host an International Women’s Day event, and purchase special-care items for newcomer families at the holidays.”