Southgate Centre Celebrates holiday season with member-led market

Lights of Love Returns to Sakura House on Nov. 28. Chelsea Stephens, fund development coordinator, poses in front of the Tree of Life. (Alex Hunt Photo)

Alex Hunt, Echo Contributor

South Gate Centre’s annual Whimsical Winter Market returns just in time for Christmas shopping, where the community will be able to see what local talent has to offer.

“We were hoping to be in the new expansion, but it's not going to work out quite as we hoped. We want to build a legacy, and so we've decided to name it the Whimsical Winter Market, and we'll just grow on it from there,” said Angela Hess, program and volunteer coordinator at the South Gathe Centre

She added there are crafting vendors, handmade goods, knitting, candles, glassware, and some fantastic local artisans.

“But then we want to be able to broaden it from there, have activities that go with it, which will be a next year project. We will have a lot more space once construction has finished on the building expansion."

Bev Rajani, volunteer at the South Gate Centre and coordinator for the market, said baking will be prepared in the centre’s kitchen for the market. In addition, there would be a table featuring Ukrainian foods, including baked goods and traditional dishes such as pierogies and cabbage rolls.

The event will take place on Nov. 29 at the South Gate Centre on 191 Old Wellington Street South and will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“One of the things to note is that the Christmas market is actually our biggest member-led fundraising initiative,” Hess explained. “It’s put on entirely by our members the donations come from our members, and many of the vendors are members as well. The only outside involvement comes from a few additional vendors we’ve invited to take part.”

The event is the organization’s largest event and an important tradition to continue. It brings members together to share in the festive spirit and celebrate community. The goal is to grow the market into a larger community event that encompasses more of Woodstock, allowing them to not only showcase their work but also share it with others.

“It gives members a valuable opportunity to get involved and take ownership of a community tradition. By leading the event, members are able to contribute their skills, creativity, and time toward something meaningful,” said Rajani. “While also connecting with others who share the same spirit of giving back.”

She added the market fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and teamwork among members, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to community involvement.

Donations for the event usually come in the form of items used for the silent auction or sale tables. Many of the goods are repurposed and help to reduce waste while supporting the organization’s fundraising efforts.

As a not-for-profit charity, all proceeds go directly back into programming and operations, ensuring the organization can continue offering services and activities that benefit the community.

“While the Christmas market serves as a fundraising initiative, its deeper purpose lies in fostering social connection and community engagement,” said Hess.

“The event encourages interaction and integration among members, helping to strengthen both their mental and social well-being. Creating those meaningful connections is a core part of the organization’s mission and one of the most important outcomes of the market,” she added.

Once completed, the new expansion will allow a wider range of programming opportunities. With the addition of a community kitchen and more accessible space, South Gate will be able to offer food classes and other hands-on programs that weren’t possible before. Hess added the goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports learning, engagement, and connection within the community.

‘I genuinely look forward to coming every day. It’s always different, always changing, and the people here are amazing,” said Hess. “Being able to interact with everyone and help build community hits all the points that make this role so rewarding. It’s absolutely incredible for me, and it gives me the chance to give back to a wonderful group of people who have been giving their whole lives.”

“I tell people all the time that this is my second family, and that’s truly how I feel, and I’ve been volunteering here for three years,” said Rajani.

South Gate Centre in Woodstock is a community hub and registered charity dedicated to adults aged 50 and older. The centre offers a wide range of programs designed to promote wellness, social connection, and lifelong learning, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, music, dance, and educational workshops.