Prospera Credit Union is collecting gifts for youth in need with their tenth annual Youth Angel Tree Project. The program began in 2011 after Prospera staff met with Archway staff and realized that there was an unmet need in providing Christmas gifts specifically for youth.
“Prospera never ceases to amaze me with their Angel Tree generosity every Christmas! This is the 10th year they will be hosting it, and the impact they have had on our youth and families over the years has been so incredible,” shared Brandy Sundstrom, a Youth Support Worker with the Archway Youth Resource Centre.
There are tags for over 70 youth at Prospera’s two Abbotsford branches that community members can choose from. The tags include personalized gift suggestions for local youth, and range from work boots, grocery store gift cards, to clothes and books.
“Christmas is an extremely difficult and lonely time for our youth, and once again we have COVID on top of it all,” shared Sundstrom. “Many of our youth are living on their own or even experiencing homelessness, with nobody to spend the holidays with. They will not get Christmas gifts and big fancy dinners.”
“We give a huge THANK YOU to Prospera and all of the people who make this happen! You are all part of something so much bigger than you probably realize! We are so grateful for the joy you bring to our clients each Christmas season!”
“All of our clients are so touched by the fact that a complete stranger has picked their name and gone shopping for them. Many of my youth end up talking to me about wanting to do the same thing for others when they get older and have money.”
Once the new gifts are brought back, Prospera staff assemble and wrap the gifts, and youth workers at Archway deliver them to the recipients.
“This is our favorite time of the year as we get to deliver the gifts and see the youth light up with excitement!” said Sundstrom.
“We give a huge THANK YOU to Prospera and all of the people who make this happen! You are all part of something so much bigger than you probably realize! We are so grateful for the joy you bring to our clients each Christmas season!”
Community members wishing to participate can pick up a tag at one of the two Prospera branches in Abbotsford – 34630 DeLair Rd., and the West Oaks branch at 32700 South Fraser Way.
Prospera Staff – West Oaks Branch