Tri-Cities' biggest fundraiser of the year takes place Tuesday, Nov. 22 when Coquitlam Centre mall unwraps Christmas with its charitable night of shopping benefiting local groups and Share Family and Community Services.
Tickets for Unwrapped - A Charitable Night of Shopping are being sold now by 71 charities, including Share, and organizers are hoping to see a good crowd come out to the mall after hours for a night of shopping and pampering.
Each group gets to keep the proceeds from the $10 tickets which can be purchased online from participating groups or at Coquitlam Centre guest services. Last year, the event raised more than $68,000 for 69 charities - including $12,000 for Share's Christmas campaign for vulnerable families - and more than 1,000 pounds of food for the food bank.
"We think it's just a terrific event and the reason is because it helps the retailers at Coquitlam Centre and it supports many, many community groups," said Heather Scott, Share's director of development, "and of course it's terrific for Share as well."
This year, Share expects to distribute 1,800 hampers and toys to families, and Unwrapped has become an important event for raising funds and awareness for the hamper program. As well, Share supporters will be volunteering for Unwrapped, with between 50 and 60 people working that night to make sure the evening is a success.
Coquitlam Centre marketing director Deborah Stetz said the event was developed three years ago to create a special night for shoppers and charities. Since then, it has garnered an important award from the International Council of Shopping Centres Foundation.
"I think they were recognizing the sheer scope of the many people it helped," she said, noting that Unwrapped generates thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations ranging from local Girl Guides to school groups.
This year's Unwrapped, which is co-sponsored by The Tri-City News, promises to be another enjoyable night and efforts have been made to make it more fun and easier to get into, Stetz said.
There will be four entrances to the event through anchor stores Sears, The Bay, Zellers and Future Shop so, instead of lining up outdoors in the cold, Stetz said, shoppers will be able to come early, at 6 p.m., shop in comfort and then gain entrance to Unwrapped at 7 p.m.
"It gets them out of the weather and gives them a chance to get warmed up shopping before the event kicks off," she said.
But shoppers should be aware that the event is an adults-only (19 years and older) event.
Stetz said that the event tends to attract couples looking for a night out, friends and even those who arrive eager to take advantage of one-night-only special discounts and offers from participating retailers, get a sneak-peek at hot winter fashion trends, and enjoy festive tunes and seasonal entertainment.
"Women can go out with group of girlfriends or couples can go out and get a good start on their Christmas shopping," Stetz said.
There will be opportunities to taste food prepared by local restaurants, indulge in wine tastings, get Santa photos and gift wrapping (by donation), and win grand prizes, door prizes, gift baskets and gift certificates - more than $19,000 is available in total prizes.
Among the more exotic prizes on offer include two nights accommodation for four women with a Grotto Day Pass to the Grotto Spa mineral pool, four 90-minute treatments, four personalized robes, a bottle of wine in the room and endless tapas at the Treetop Tapas and Grill, and breakfast for four one morning at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre in Parksville, on Vancouver Island.
There will also be prizes for a $1,000 travel voucher from Marlin Travel and Transat Holidays, a front-loading laundry set from Sears, a $1,000 diamond ring from Michael Hill Jeweller and salon products and pedicures from Eccotique Spas and Salons and Zennkai Salon.
Stetz said shoppers should check out the tips for attending the event on the Coquitlam Centre website at coquitlamcentre.com/unwrapped and purchase their tickets soon,
Share's Scott agrees, saying, "Unwrapped does kick off a very, very busy Christmas season."
Unwrapped 2011 takes place Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and is for people 19 years and older. Guests are invited to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the local food bank. Collection points will be located at event entrances at The Bay, Sears, Future Shop, and Zellers. As well, Share is seeking volunteers for this event. To help, please contact Heather Stacey at [email protected]. Volunteers must be also be 19 years or older to participate at this event.
Give a little to those in need
Toys are needed for teenage boys, girls aged nine to 12 years and infants up to two years.
Drop unwrapped items off during food bank hours (9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays) at 2615 Clarke St., Port Moody.
Toys can also be dropped off at the administration office (200-25 King Edward St., Coquitlam) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
