The Angel Tree Program was created to help support UFV students and their families during the winter holidays and is run by the Student Union Society (SUS) every year. Students who are caregivers of children aged sixteen and under are eligible to apply for this program. Kids registered into the program are then sponsored by a member of the community and receive a gift that they requested from their wishlists. SUS president, Nikiel Lal, said that this year the Angel Tree program reached a “record high” by sponsoring more than 280 kids.
“This year we had more angels than we’ve ever had in history,” said Lal.
Highlighting the program’s importance, Lal pointed out the challenges of affordability that coincide with raising a family and studying simultaneously. The program is a way to help meet the needs of the students and to make the holidays easier for them.
“This is a way that we’re able to give back in a time where students may need it the most,” explained Lal. “And it’s a way for not only us, but others in the community, to help give back to the students, especially during a tough semester. And I couldn’t imagine it being easy to raise a child while also pursuing educational goals.”
The Angel Tree program is split up into two phases. During phase one, UFV students can register their children to be angels, while in phase two, members of the community can support them by purchasing a present the children requested. This year, the sponsors had between Dec. 2-12 to purchase the gifts and drop them off at the Student Union Building (SUB) to SUS. After, parents set up a time to pick up the presents between Dec. 13-14 at the SUB.
Lal also explained that one thing SUS did differently this year was having more promotion done for the Angel Tree program by their marketing team, which helped contribute to how many children were successfully helped by the program.
“We managed to get it [Angel Tree] promoted at the Abbotsford Canucks Games, Abbotsford Pilots games, and just within the community,” mentioned Lal.
Lal recognized the impact the Angel Tree program has made for students at UFV who have families and the support it gives them. “This is a phenomenal program that is very heavily utilized and it is something that I think all UFV students appreciate. I just want to keep growing and expanding the program, as we’re doing, and fulfilling the wishes of all angels while helping UFV students be successful in their education while raising a family.”
According to Lal, the wishes themselves varied due to the age differences of the sponsored kids and what they wanted for the holidays. However, Lal also confirmed that all the children received items from their wish lists this holiday.
“Any way we can help our student body make life in their educational experience more enjoyable and successful, that’s the goal at the end of the day. If we can do that, then we’re moving in the right direction.”
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.