Features
& News
In-Prison Program On Hold Again
Health authorities have asked people to limit their social interactions. In light of these recommendations, our in-prison programs are once again on hold.
In-Prison Mentorship Returns After 7 Months
Federal institutions are gradually reopening to visitors and some volunteers—including representatives from our organization. We are thankful to resume our in-prison mentorship program in a limited capacity at Kent, Kwi, and FVI.
November Prayer Calendar
This month, join all of us at M2/W2 and Hidden Treasures as we praise God—He is strong, merciful, and constant…
Portraits of Change: Online Fundraiser
At M2/W2, we’ve been holding fundraisers since 1973, yet our event tomorrow is unique: It’s our first-ever online fundraiser! This year’s theme is Portraits of Change. It represents how all of us—staff, volunteers, mentors, matches, dynamic members—are changed by our involvement with M2/W2. The portraits are our stories.
5 Years of Hidden Treasures Chilliwack
This month, Hidden Treasures Chilliwack celebrates its fifth anniversary. Thank you to everyone who has made these past five years a success: our customers, staff, volunteers, community partners, and, especially, those on work release and Escorted Temporary Absences (ETAs).
October Prayer Calendar
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” This October, let’s follow the words of Colossians 2:6-7, and...
2019/2020 Annual Report
The wait is over! Our 2019/2020 Annual Report is now available. Download it here.
September Prayer Calendar
This September, let’s turn to God, humble ourselves, and trust in His promises. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11.
Prisoners’ Justice Day 2020
August 10 is Prisoners’ Justice Day. Across Canada, people in prisons are fasting and refusing to work. This is a show of solidarity with those who have died while incarcerated.
August Prayer Calendar: Now Available
Let’s thank God for his compassion and mercy—and look to Him for the strength to persevere during this challenging time.
Food Security Program Brings Groceries and Companionship to Former Prisoners
Dropping off the grocery store gift cards in person is a chance to get to know the people receiving them.
How Hidden Treasures Became the Best Little Thrift Store in Abbotsford
From the bank meeting that kick-started an idea to the sale of the original building, this is the story of how Hidden Treasures became the best little thrift shop in town.
Summer 2020 NOLA Update: Moving Online in Challenging Times
While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for NOLA dynamic members and our team, we have had many things to be thankful for over the past few months.
United Way Food Security Grant Helps M2/W2 Provide Food to Former Prisoners
We are pleased to announce a grant from the United Way of the Lower Mainland to provide food to former prisoners living in the community.
July Prayer Calendar: Now Available
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus… so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Download our July prayer calendar and let’s run this race together.
‘One Life On Earth’: W2 Volunteer Fran Bosa Publishes Memoir
Recently, Fran Bosa published a memoir: “One Life On Earth.” Learn about the inspiration behind the book, and Fran’s volunteer work with M2/W2 Association.
June Prayer Calendar: Now Available
Join us this month in prayer, as we humble ourselves before God and seek his unity and hope!
COVID-19: Hidden Treasures to Reopen June 1
UPDATED: Both Hidden Treasures stores are reopening on Monday. The office, however, remains closed temporarily. We look forward to welcoming shoppers back into the stores, and we’ve established a few temporary guidelines to help protect everyone—staff, customers, and volunteers.
NOLA Volunteer Training Goes Online
NOLA training is now ONLINE! Three one-hour video conference meetings with dynamic teaching, informative slides, and time for discussion and questions.
Beyond the Halfway House: The NOLA Journey Doesn’t End at Warrant Expiry
NOLA provides wraparound support, and members continue to meet with their circles even after warrant expiry. For many, this next chapter brings unique challenges and uncertainty. Find out how you can help.
Seeds in the Ground: Musings of a Volunteer Coordinator
There are good days and not so good days. I watch the dirt. Will anything come out? Will anything good come out of all this craziness?
May 2020 Prayer Calendar
Romans 5:3-4 says this: “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Join us in prayer this month, as we look ahead and grow in faith together, experiencing God’s love through the Holy Spirit.
‘Ray, How Do You Cope with All This?’
Carl’s parole officer arranged the phone call. “I was overwhelmed by his first question,” Raymond said. “He asked, ‘How are you doing in this crazy time?’ I said, ‘My hair is growing; all of my grey hair is showing. My exercise schedule is out of whack.’”
Hidden Treasures: Now ONLINE!
Scroll down the virtual aisles and find a wide selection of high-quality used goods— clothing, books, household goods, jewellery, movies, games, and much, much more.
Volunteer Spotlight: Hilary King
“I feel privileged to share in their journeys,” Hilary says of the women at ACCW. “By visiting them, I can bring some hope that the future can be better. My faith in Jesus Christ assures me that he loves these women and longs for them to become who he created them to be.”
Volunteer Spotlight: Gayle Macnab
“God is able,” Gayle says. Over the phone, her voice is clear and certain, despite the patchy cell reception. “I’ve had lots of hard things in my life,” she explains. “Volunteering helps me refocus—I think of my match and her whole life is prison. It’s heartbreaking, but there’s something I can do. I can reach out to her. I can pray.”
Alone in a Crowded Room: Showing Compassion to Prisoners in Uncertain Times
In Matthew 25, alongside his call to care for people who are poor or sick, Jesus asks his followers to visit people in prisons. At its core, the passage suggests we need to find ways to show compassion. Even in times of crisis. Especially in times of crisis.
April 2020 Prayer Calendar
This April, join us at M2/W2 and Hidden Treasures as we look to God for solace and ask Him to protect those who are most vulnerable.
COVID-19: Temporary Closure of M2/W2 Office and Hidden Treasures Stores
As a precautionary step during the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to temporarily close our office and both Hidden Treasures stores. Both stores are closed today and our office will close Monday, March 23, 2020. The closures will be in effect until April 30, 2020, but it is possible that our office and stores will remain closed after that date.
Spring 2020 NOLA Update: Each Step Forward Brings Encouragement
Through mentorship, accountability, and positive influence, the No One Leaves Alone (NOLA) program helps people on parole reintegrate into society. Here are some highlights from the past few months.
On the Move: Hidden Treasures Abbotsford
This past January, we sold the building that’s been home to Hidden Treasures Abbotsford since it opened in 2000. Terms of the sale allow the thrift store to continue to operate at its current location for three years or until a new site is secured. The search for a new location is already underway.
Hidden Treasures: A Place to Share Skills and Prepare for the Road Ahead
The buzzer sounds. A white minivan is parked at the side entrance. Ron sets down the lamp he’s been fixing. It’s a quintessential thrift store item: cool and kitschy, with three porcelain horse figures on its base. Outside Ron greets a woman unloading bags of...
Off the Main Road
Do you wonder what it’s like to volunteer in prison? Read one woman’s story of embracing uncertainty and answering the call to go inside.
Download Our March 2020 Prayer Calendar
This March, join us at M2/W2 and Hidden Treasures as we thank God, and express our gratitude for the Holy Spirit, who empowers our work, as well as the daily opportunities we have to share God’s inclusive, restorative love with people in prisons and the...
Q&A with Shawn Gale: Author, Hidden Treasures Volunteer
On Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Hidden Treasures Thrift Store in Chilliwack, author Shawn Gale will be reading from two of his books: The Stories That Make Us and World of Dawn: The Great Reach. Everyone is welcome to attend this free...
February 2020 Prayer Calendar Now Available
This February, let’s praise God together. He is constant and faithful, present in every moment. His love never wavers. He listens to all who speak to Him. Let’s thank Him for Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice made new life possible. And for the Holy Spirit, who...
Peter Hanks: Faithful Servant, Friend to All
Last Wednesday, January 22, 2020, Peter Hanks passed away. He was 93 years old. We offer our condolences to Peter’s family and friends. Peter had a heart for international missions and spent over three decades abroad. Later in life, Peter was a volunteer mentor with M2/W2.
January 2020 Prayer Calendar Now Available
Join all of us at M2W2 and Hidden Treasures as we seek God's revitalizing presence in our lives. Together, let's discover a new sense of God's purpose and find restoration this year. Download the January 2020 prayer calendar here.
Joe and the Spartan Obstacle Race
In the pouring rain, Joe stepped to the starting line. At 65, he was among the oldest of almost 1,500 competitors. Joe knew it wasn’t going to be easy. He’d heard about how difficult the Spartan race was. What he didn’t know was that almost one-third of the racers wouldn’t finish.
December 2019 Prayer Calendar Now Available
This December, join us at M2/W2 and Hidden Treasures Thrift Stores as we celebrate the joy and peace of Christmas and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Download the December 2019 prayer calendar here.
One Night at Maple Bay: Connecting and Healing in the Outdoors
“Dave had mentioned how much he liked the outdoors and camping,” Ernest recalled, “so we played with the idea. We drove up to Cultus Lake and I showed him some of my favourite places to camp.”
Fall 2019 NOLA Update: Change Is Possible with Support, Courage
For released inmates in the community, the past feels ever-present. It awaits in the morning and makes reintegration much more difficult. It takes courage to engage a world that feels like it is constantly judging. It takes courage to begin each day… again.
Washing Our Hands of Vicarious Trauma
I remember my mum calling us kids for dinner. The natural response was always “I am on my way” or “in a few minutes.” When we finally gathered around the table, the big question was this: “Did you wash your hands?” It has since become a requirement posted all...
Leaps of Faith: Fall 2019 Gala Recap
On October 5, 2019, we hosted our annual gala fundraising event. The theme was Leaps of Faith, which represents the belief that our supporters have in our life-changing programs, as well as the belief-fuelled actions taken by volunteers, staff, and program...
November 2019 Prayer Calendar Now Available
Download the latest M2/W2 prayer calendar