This holiday season, many Saskatoon seniors who are alone and living in care facilities will receive some holiday cheer thanks to the 6th Annual Be a Santa to a Senior
® program. Sponsored by the local Home Instead Senior Care
® office, the program brings together area nonprofits, retailers, volunteers and members of the community to provide gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors.
“Many of our community’s seniors do not have the chance to celebrate the holidays surrounded by loved ones, and we know there are many people in the community who want to reach out,” says Greg Charyna, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving the Saskatoon area. “Many seniors living in care homes have very few visitors. Our Santa initiative brings holiday cheer to those who need it most. Together we can make a difference by providing gifts and companionship.”
For the third year in a row, The Be a Santa to a Senior program is sponsored by Brad Klein of Canada Purple Shield in Saskatchewan. His financial support will allow for specialized purchases and additional holiday treats. Program officials hope to collect and deliver more than 1,100 gifts to help local seniors this holiday season.
Starting November 13 participating businesses will display Be a Santa to a Senior Christmas trees that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick ornaments from the trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped (and with the ornament attached) to the tree location or to the Home Instead Senior Care office at Market Mall. Gifts can also be dropped off at Market Mall Customer Service during evenings and weekends.
Be a Santa to a Senior trees will be located at the following locations:
- Home Instead Senior Care Office, Market Mall
- BMO Market Mall
- Lawson Heights Mall
- The Centre (Mall at Circle & 8th)
Program partners and volunteers will wrap and distribute the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. Hundreds of volunteers are required to make the project run. Many elves make light work!
- Volunteer to Organize & Wrap Gifts
- Dec. 1-14th
9-5pm daily
- 4-10 volunteers needed each day.
- Volunteer to Deliver Gifts
- Dec 15-18
Mornings 9:30 – 12; Afternoons 1:30 – 4pm
- 50 volunteers needed each morning and afternoon
Call 306.931.4663 to volunteer yourself, your family, your team, neighbours, or employees or co-workers.
