Shoppers at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre can save time this holiday season by using the gift-wrapping booth organized by Archway Community Services.
The service will be available every day until Dec. 24th at the community booth located outside of the Hudson’s Bay store.
Proceeds will 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 will also be volunteering.
“The youth are excited to give back, 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. It gives newcomer youth the space to learn and grow and gives our veteran volunteers an outlet to share their knowledge.
In 2022, $4,100 was raised which helped the Archway Community Connections Program host an International Women’s Day event, provide food during their group programs, and purchase special-care items for newcomer families at the holidays.
“The money raised through this project allows us to provide experiences and items that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to support,” said Elise Marier, the program supervisor.
A corporate gift-wrapping service is also offered so local companies save time on their client or staff gift wrapping, while also supporting newcomers.
For more information on the gift-wrapping booth, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit Archway.ca/wrapping
“The money raised through this project allows us to provide experiences and items that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to support.”