TWU students and Omni TV blitz Langley with kindness on December 2nd, 2006 and hand out unexpected gifts.

November 21, 2006

Source: Trinity Western University
http://www.twu.ca/news/view-specific.aspx?newsID=536

Laura Ralph and Denise Abji laugh as they pose giddily in their festive Christmas scarves. In less than two weeks they'll join over 250 other Trinity Western University students, don bright red scarves, and head out into the Langley community to volunteer for a variety of service projects. Whether it's aiding the Langley Christmas Parade with crowd control, helping seniors hang Christmas lights in Williams Park, or simply paying for someone's parking meter, these volunteers will be popping up all over Langley on December 2nd, 2006 and they have some very "unexpected gifts" to hand out.

Omni TV is partnering with Trinity Western University with the goal to blitz the Langley community with kindness on December 2nd, 2006. Like "random acts of kindness," TWU volunteers and Omni TV will be handing out "unexpected gifts" and when they do, they will leave behind a card that says "You've just been given an unexpected gift - tell someone about it at Omni TV." Created with a pay-it-forward concept in mind, those that receive an "unexpected gift" should then pass it on by doing something unexpected for someone else. By logging on to www.omnibc.ca (which goes live on November 27th) people can post stories, share how their lives were changed by an unexpected gift and read about how many have been touched by the kindness of others. There are also opportunities to nominate someone from the community that might just need an "unexpected gift." Save on Foods will be donating gift cards and one chosen family will be given the unexpected gift of a vacation to Mexico.

As well as helping out in the community, TWU students will also be lending a hand on their own Langley campus. This year Trinity Western University will be hosting the free community-wide event known as The Great West Life Spirit of Christmas Celebration. The two day celebration occurring December 1st and 2nd is no small undertaking. With over 4000 expected guests, a traveling theatre production of the nativity featuring live animals, numerous musical groups and performers hitting the main stage, a children's activity centre and countess lights transforming the campus into a winter wonderland, it's imperative that the organizers have some help.

Michael Wipf producer of the Spirit of Christmas is really happy with the amount of support he has received from students. Wipf says, "I'm overwhelmed at the turnout and excitement of the volunteers. This is the first year we have done the event and the volunteer student initiative is a big portion of what will make it successful in the Langley community and here at TWU."

Denise Abji, 4th-year education major will be coordinating a large group of volunteers on the Saturday. Says Abji, "I think this is a really cool opportunity to be involved in. The fact that the community will be able to come to TWU is really great. I'm looking forward to people being really happy and seeing smiles on their faces as we help out and volunteer."

Laura Ralph will be volunteering her voice as she along with over 100 other TWU choir members will sing triumphantly during the lighting of the Christmas tree on Friday December 1st signifying the start of the Spirit of Christmas.

More information about The Spirit of Christmas Celebration can be found at Trinity Western University's website at www.twu.ca or by phoning 604-513-2121 ext 3859.

Trinity Western University, located in Langley, B.C., is a not-for-profit Christian liberal arts and sciences university enrolling approximately 4000 students. TWU offers undergraduate degrees in 39 major areas of study ranging from business, communications and education to biotechnology and nursing, and offers 15 graduate degrees in such areas as counseling psychology, business, the humanities, theology and administrative leadership.

Photo Caption: Students Laura Ralph and Denise Abji will be among 250 volunteers helping out during The Great West Life Spirit of Christmas Celebration.
Erin Mussolum
Senior Media Relations Specialist
Tel: 604-513-2121 ext. 3369
Fax: 604-513-2061
erin.mussolum@twu.ca