On Christmas morning in 2015, the youth who live at PCRS’s Guildford House were pleasantly surprised to wake and find what millions come to expect during the holiday season: presents. Each unwrapped a $50 gift certificate to spend at Safeway, an act of kindness that is all thanks to Surrey Mitsubishi.
It all started when Surrey Mitsubishi Owners Arash Askarian and Daniel De Bartolo wanted to connect and help youth in the community. He reached out to the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society to point him in the right direction and was immediately connected with the Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS).
Arash was introduced to staff Michelle Shaw, Director of Youth & Addictions Services and Tyler Lee, Coordinator of Surrey Youth Housing Services with PCRS. Once Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society brought the two together, the relationship immediately developed. Keen to see a youth facility first hand, Tyler brought Arash to the Guildford Youth Resource Centre, one of two centres under the umbrella of the Surrey Youth Resource Centre that offers a wide range of services for youth between the ages of 12 and 19. Blown away by his experience, Arash knew he wanted to become involved. Mitsubishi’s generosity not only made Christmas for these youth, it demonstrated the impact that can be made when someone sees the need in their community and acts on it.
Surrey Mitsubishi’s donation is only the beginning of their relationship with PCRS. Going forward, Arash and Tyler will continue to work with one another to ensure these youth receive ongoing support throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.
Since 1984, PCRS has been providing education programs, employment services, and addiction counselling and prevention to youth and families in Surrey. PCRS also offers 11 long term semi-independent living beds for youth in Surrey. Through partnerships with organizations and businesses like Surrey Mitsubishi, PCRS is building community capacity and continues to deliver exceptional support services and resources for youth and families.