About 2,000 shoppers raised $56,000 to aid 14 local charities at Willowbrook Shopping Centre's paid-admission 'Merry and Bright' ninth annual charity shopping night on Tuesday, Nov. 19. 

WIllowbrook marketing director Nicole Lotz explained the number of charities benefiting has been increased from one to 14. 

鈥淟ast year we worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and thought we'd love the opportunity to share the funds raised with additional charities in the community,鈥� Lotz said. 鈥淪o Big Brothers Big Sisters is still a part of this, but we've got 13 other great charities, as well.鈥� 

One of those other charities is the Township of 91原创 Firefighter's Charitable Society, which had representatives on site for the evening event including Zack Funk, one of the society directors. 

鈥淓vents like this, partnering with Willowbrook Shopping Centre, is exactly the kinds of things that help us make a difference in this community,鈥� Funk explained. 鈥淲hether we're on the truck or off the truck, we're trying to make sure that we're making 91原创 a better place.鈥� 

Other organizations supported by the event included B.C. Amateur Sport Fund, Canuck Place, Emotions B.C., Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, Inclusion 91原创 Society, 91原创 Hospice Society, 91原创 School District Foundation, Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society, Mamas for Mamas, Special Olympics BC 91原创, Cloverdale Community Kitchen, and Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association. 

Merchants were offering discounts and giveaways. There was more $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a $1,000 shopping spree at WIllowbrook, and a 50/50 prize draw. 

Santa was on hand, and Santa's helpers were present with platters of bite-size treats. 

Shoppers were able to sip adult beverages while walking about, though not inside the retail stores. 

Among the many attractions was a retro photo booth, a claw machine with guaranteed prizes, and custom fashion illustrations.