Totals are in, and a one-night event aimed at helping Langleyites get a jump on their holiday shopping has netted more than $40,000 for local charities, as well.
The Willowbrook Shopping Centre event, called That’s The Spirit! Charity Shopping Night, was held back in mid-November.
It took some time to tally all the numbers, but Willowbrook marketing director Meghan McCrea released the figures just ahead of Christmas.
“We’re pleased to announce… [the fifth annual event] raised over $41,360 for 21 local charities,” she said, noting that more than 3,200 people attended.
“We had approximately 100 more attendees this year [compared to 2015], which was great!” McCrea added.
“The event was a great way to kick off the holiday season with holiday entertainment, free Santa photos, special offers at retailers, fabulous gift with purchase offer, holiday treats, tons of contest prizes, and more. This year, we had a record amount of prizing – over $26,000 worth, including Gift Cards, shopping sprees, jewellery, tech gear, and more.”
This year, admission at the door was up to $15 from $10 for those who purchased in advance.
The higher price at the door “encouraged people to buy their tickets early and reduce ticket line-up time,” McCrea said.
Expressing thanks specifically to the almost 50 sponsors, the mall retailers, and the community charities, McCrea confirmed that Willowbrook will be hosting this event again in 2017 – date to be announced, but likely mid-November, again.
When they hosted the first event, they only had one charity on board.
“Over the years, we’ve grown the event so that multiple charities are involved and can be part of this great community fundraising initiative,” she said, offering a list of all the charities that were involved:
1. Autism Speaks Canada
2 Canadian Cancer Society
3 Canadian Diabetes Association
4. Child Development Foundation of BC
5. Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation
6. Fort Langley Lions Club
7. Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada
8. Horse Protection Society of BC
9. Ishtar Transition Housing Society
10. Langley Association for Community Living
11. Langley Care Foundation
12. Langley Child Development Centre, a division of Langley Children’s Society
13. Langley Christmas Bureau
14. Langley Community Services Society
15. Langley Hospice Society
16. Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation
17. Langley School District Foundation
18. Langley Senior Resources Society
19. Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society
20. Small Animal Rescue Society of BC
21. Special Olympics British Columbia
“Charities were able to support the event with volunteers to help with various event activities,” McCrea said. “In total, we had over 100 staff and volunteers working the event, which was greatly appreciated.”
