Shoppers at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre can save time and support a great cause by visiting Archway Community Services’ Gift-Wrapping Booth, open from December 6th to 24th beside Urban Planet (formerly Hudson’s Bay).
Since 2021, the booth has raised $13,775 in support of Archway’s Community Connections and Immigrant Youth Services programs. These initiatives provide educational classes, after-school homework clubs, social activities, and events that help newcomers build connections and feel at home in their new community.
“This is a wonderful way to save time during the busy holiday season while making a real difference in our community,” said Elise Marier, the Community Connections program supervisor.
“By volunteering or using the service, you’re helping newcomers build a brighter future and making a difference that lasts well beyond the holidays.”
Many newcomers volunteer at the gift-wrapping booth, giving back to Archway and their new community while gaining valuable experience in workplace culture and customer service.
“This hands-on opportunity not only helps them build confidence and practical skills but also fosters meaningful connections as they give back during the holiday season,” said Murad Ahmed, Immigrant Youth Services supervisor.
Last year, one of the gift-wrapping booth volunteers, Katya, went above and beyond—volunteering over 82 hours in December.
“After losing the chance to celebrate Christmas the way I was used to back home, it felt important to find a way to reconnect with the season. Helping at the booth brought me a quiet sense of hope—a reminder that life keeps going, even in a new country,” shared Katya.
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 along with an easy way to make a donation through the tap of a credit card.
For more information on the gift-wrapping booth or to sign up as a volunteer, visit archway.ca/wrapping.
“By volunteering or using the service, you’re helping newcomers build a brighter future and making a difference that lasts well beyond the holidays.”
“After losing the chance to celebrate Christmas the way I was used to back home, it felt important to find a way to reconnect with the season. Helping at the booth brought me a quiet sense of hope—a reminder that life keeps going, even in a new country.”