That’s the Spirit! Shopping and Giving Back!

The Willowbrook Shopping Centre Charity Shopping Night was a blast!

I was told about this event by a non-profit I follow but hadn’t really planned on attending.  The concept was simple – buy a $10 entry ticket to Willowbrook Mall and enjoy after hours shopping with all the other ticket holders.  For the small sum, you receive the following:

• Prizes – including shopping sprees, gift baskets, gift cards and more!
• Savings up to 50% off at participating retailers.
• Special gift with purchase.
• Complimentary refreshments.
• Live entertainment!

The proceeds of the ticket sales are donated 100% to the local charities who registered for this event.  At last count, there were 17 charities who will split the ticket sales equally between them.  For a small non-profit like Langley Pos-Abilities Society, this can mean providing a much needed piece of equipment to a person with disabilities who may not be able to afford it.

As I said, I hadn’t really planned on attending this event as we don’t exchange Christmas gifts at our house but while shopping for a gown and accessories for an upcoming formal dinner, the nice clerk at Payless Shoes mentioned that if I returned today, I could pick up some substantial discounts on any of my purchases in the Willowbrook S/C.  

I found a gorgeous gown at a boutique and had intended on purchasing it after I first bought some coordinating shoes and a purse. When I inquired at the boutique as to whether they would be discounting the gown further during the Charity Shopping Night, I was told I could get a further 25% markdown!  Holy Wow!  That gorgeous dress went from an already marked down price of $139 to $107!!!! I couldn’t think of a better reason to return tonight and make that purchase all the while knowing that I can make a difference to large and small charities in the Langley area this season!

As you know, at this time of year, so many non-profit organizations are struggling to get our attention and our donation dollars.  For an organization that has an annual budget of $60,000, getting a sum of $1000 in the form of a single donation is practically fundraising magic!  There are reams of paperwork to fill out to apply for grants from local township, municipal and provincial benefactors.  Many resort to organizing pub nights with silent auctions in the hopes of bringing in $500-$1000 after costs.  

A Charity Shopping Night such as this one represents an easily accessible way to raise funds, and hopefully awareness, to a small charity’s cause.

In this season of giving, you can participate in any number of fun and social events that allow you to give back while doing something you would have been doing anyway.  Here are some local examples:

• Thank you for Caring – A Christmas Tea Fundraiser
• Giving Tuesday Community Pancake Breakfast in Aldergrove
• Children’s Wish Breakfast – to benefit the Langley Christmas Bureau