A fundraiser that supports the works of Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and takes a load off of the holiday season for Christmas shoppers launches Monday (Dec. 4) at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre.
Right through to close of business on Dec. 24, foundation volunteers will be at the 1701 152 St. mall to wrap any and all gifts entrusted into their care.
The by-donation effort will mark the foundation’s third year at the kiosk. Last year, Peace Arch Hospice Society was at the helm, and previous to 2020, the Canadian Cancer Society manned it for 16 years, raising more than $157,000.
Shopping centre spokesperson Jeri Cox said officials are “very excited to be fundraising for our local community hospital again.”
“We find that people are very generous,” she added.
READ MORE: South Surrey/White Rock volunteers help wrap up the season
Cox said the shopping centre provides everything needed to make it happen; including the space, all supplies, signage and advertising.
For the foundation, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness as well as much-needed funds for initiatives that benefit the hospital.
The goal this holiday season is to raise at least $5,000, said Vicki Brydon, the foundation’s director of public relations. The funds, she said, will go towards new medical imaging equipment.
Since 2020, the service has raised more than $20,000 for the hospital. Brydon said it also connects youth and senior volunteers, creating “a wonderful inter-generational dynamic.”
Cox noted there is no overnight storage – those taking advantage of the service this year must plan to pick up their wrapped gifts by the end of the day they are dropped off.