SASKATOON — A 23-year-old graduate student living in Saskatoon, Areeba, was recently awarded in the #TDThanksYou campaign. All recipients are nominated by a TD colleague. In 2023, five TD customers have been recognized through this program, with Areeba Bilal being one of the recent recipients.
After recently completing a master’s degree in philanthropy and non-profit leadership at Carleton University, she is now a fellow at CanSudyUS, a leadership development program at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Areeba is the communications co-ordinator for a Saskatoon-based charity called The Princess Shop, which creates an enhanced graduation experience for female-identified students in need and provides them with mentorship, support and the tools to pursue success after graduation.
“In recognition of her participation in the community, TD is thanking her by providing her with a new tablet to help her connect with even more people,” a spokesperson for the TD campaign says.
“It’s all part of the TD annual #TDThanksYou campaign for which the bank expresses gratitude towards customers who are helping to make a difference in their communities. “
“I actually heard about The Princess Shop through a friend who was completing a board placement with them about nine years ago,” Areeba says.
“I was in high school at the time but my friend invited me to attend their annual fundraising gala where I was introduced to the work they were doing and the people they were serving.
“I was inspired to help out by the perseverance of their graduates as I listened to the thought-provoking and very emotional stories they shared. The team of women working at and volunteering with The Princess Shop always made it a welcoming environment and a joyful place for me to share my love for the Saskatoon community.”
Areeba has served as the communications co-ordinator for The Princess Shop in a volunteer role since January of 2019. She has also helped on the strategic planning committee, scholarship committee and dress appointments there among other roles as they come up.
“The Princess Shop serves women and girls in Saskatchewan who are graduating from high school and other recognized education graduation programs. We provide them with a graduation dress, accessories and services like photography and makeup. But we always like to say, it's more than just the dress,” adds Areeba.
The TD Thanks You Program recipient also says that although the dress program is where they first meet graduates, clients can then partake in the Fairy Godmother mentorship program or The Next Chapter program which includes scholarships, workshops, and work placements.
Areeba was married in July of 2023 so much of her current free time is spent with family and friends. She loves to explore new places in her local community as well. Areeba also serves as an active outreach volunteer at SWITCH, the Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health, a student-run clinic in Saskatoon’s core neighbourhood.
