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Chilliwack Connect serves hundreds

More than 100 volunteers served almost 600 of those in-need in our community at the Chilliwack Connect event on Oct. 3.
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Volunteers served up more than 700 hot roast beef lunches to those who attended the Chilliwack Connect event on Oct. 3.

Chilliwack Connect took place on Saturday, October 3 at the First Avenue Christian Assembly. Nearly 600 guests took part in this all-day event that provided connection, resources, pampering and support to people who need it.

The day was "very successful" and went off without a hitch, said Richard Niezen, Secretary and Facilities Coordinator with the Chilliwack Connect Committee.

"People were really happy with how the day went and the services that were provided."

Service providers from a range of fields were available to provide support, connections and helpful resources to all those who attended.

hair station connect 2015Many of the guests took advantage of Connect's pampering stations, including hair washing, cutting and styling, make-up application and foot care.

"One of the first stations to fill up right away was the photography," Niezen said. More than 60 portraits were taken for guests to capture the memories of the special day.

Guests were provided with breakfast and hot roast beef lunch prepared by Chilliwack Secondary School. About 725 meals were served and no leftovers went to waste as volunteers packed up any extra for guests to take with them.

In addition, people had access to a nurse, chiropractor, child care services and racks and racks of clothing, free for guests to pick from and pack into their bags.

Niezen said that all of the complimentary amenities were a pleasant surprise to the guests, who asked, "wow, we get to take this whole bag with us?"

Kids were provided with drawstring backpacks filled with goodies, and people even got to take away a festive pumpkin for the season, provided by God's Little Acre Farm in Surrey.

Niezen and the committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, businesses, churches and individuals who donated finances, amenities and volunteer hours.

Notable donors include Hofstede's Country Barn, Island Farms, the Chilliwack Real Estate Board and the First Avenue Christian Assembly.

With all of their generosity, "we were able to bless even more people and provide them with more to take with them," Niezen said gratefully.

The Chilliwack Connect Committee will meet for a debriefing in the next few weeks, where they will already begin planning for next year.