The Surrey Christmas Bureau experienced an early Christmas.
The non-profit organisation announced last month that it urgently needed a new location for its Adopt a Family program, pop-up toy depot, and seasonal activities.
Staff members expressed their happiness in a release on Friday after Fraser Health representatives and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke stepped up to offer them a shared warehouse space in the former Safeway at 10355 King George Boulevard.
“We are absolutely thrilled and so grateful to Mayor Locke and Fraser Health for their generosity in donating this space as our 2022 Toy Depot,” executive director Lisa Werring said in a release.
The emotional and mental stress that struggling families encounter during the holiday season is a significant health issue, the release said, so having Fraser Health as our warehouse “roommate” seems especially appropriate.
Every year, when parents receive toys for their kids and those crucial Christmas hampers, our volunteers witness the stress literally melting away from their faces. Their joy is palpable and delightfully infectious in the best way. It is what encourages volunteers to return year after year.
The Surrey Christmas Bureau serves approximately 2,000 families, including more than 4,500 children, every year.
Over 21,000 meals were served by the nearly $190,000 in grocery vouchers the Bureau gave to deserving families in 2021.
According to a press release, Locke stated, “I have been a supporter of the Surrey Christmas Bureau for a long time and when I heard the charity was struggling to find a home for the holidays yet again, I wanted to help.”
“I am pleased to see they will be welcomed back into their former space.
Every year, the Surrey Christmas Bureau brings untold joy to thousands of kids, and I’m thrilled to see how this priceless service makes the holidays brighter for a number of families throughout the city.
The Surrey Christmas Bureau website already allows for registration for assistance.
Beginning on Thursday, November 17, 2022, the Christmas Bureau Toy Depot will be open and prepared to accept donations of toys and monetary gifts. It will remain open from 9 a.m. on Mondays through Saturdays after that.
at 10355 King George Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Surrey Christmas Bureau locates a toy depot.
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