A group of volunteers are helping out with what some may consider the least fun part about Christmas presents, wrapping them, in the name of a good cause.
Linda Walther and 140 others are taking turns this holiday season at stand near London Drugs in Cottonwood Mall where anyone who doesn’t like wrapping presents, or wants to free up some time, can have their packages beautifully wrapped.
“We’re volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society,” explained Walther, who’s the gift wrapping project coordinator. The project “started in 2008, and have raised to date over $86,000. We hope to get close to $100,000 by Dec. 24th this year.”
With a selection of colourful paper to choose from, wrapping starts at $3, but price is dependant on how much paper is needed.
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“Besides getting their gifts wrapped for them, it’s definitely a time-saver for them, and helps (keep) it a surprise,” said Walther.
And the money goes to a good cause locally, she added.
Last year, 125 people from the Fraser Valley spent time in one of the Society’s subsidized lodges while receiving treatment, and 45 low income Fraser Valley residents were able to access the Travel Treatment Fund grant to travel throughout the province for their treatment.
“Finances should never be a barrier to obtaining life changing cancer treatment. Gifts to the Canadian Cancer Society help our friends, family and neighbours right here in the Fraser Valley.”
“We’re busy right up until the end … but we wrap most things in under 10 minutes and nobody has opened the wrong gift yet. Some people bring 10 to 15 gifts and our record is 27!” she joked.
To set a new record and have your gifts wrapped for you, visit the wrapping project Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. til 9 p.m., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
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