Be a Santa To a Senior 2021

image3vkl.pngHi Greg and Karen,​

Thank you so much for the generous gifts of blankets, stuffed animals and treats. They were delivered to the residents today and are very much appreciated! The cards from the children are special. There were many smiles on faces today! ​

Dear Be a Santa to a Senior supporters,

Every year we are humbled and encouraged by the support for this community program and this year is no different…even though it has been a(nother) different kind of year.  For the past decade, our goal has been to provide a gift and a visit for residents of long term care over the holidays.

Last year the entire program was cancelled because of the pandemic. This year we decided to continue a small program.  Be A Santa supporters were generous again and we were able to gather gifts for residents of three long term care homes and leave them with the Recreation staff to deliver to their residents. Thanks to all who gave generously this year. Special thanks to:

  • Purple Shield
  • Michael York
  • ProACTIVE Fitness
  • Christy Zacharias
  • RYDE YXE
  • OK Tire

Gifts were purchased and sorted.  Volunteers loaded up their vehicles and took the gifts to be assembled on site. A small but mighty crew pitched in along with Recreation staff. Thanks to:

  • Bernie M
  • Anita L
  • Sherri S
  • Lavern T
  • Trista E
  • Ben C
  • Helen A
  • Marina K
  • Rita M

200 gifts were prepared and delivered.  Super special thanks to the students at John Lake Elementary School - their artistic Christmas cards were added to each gift. Those “works of heart” are beautiful and bring joy to each resident at the care homes.

With the help of individual and corporate donors we were able to bring this community program back after a one-year hiatus. Our hope is that next year volunteers will once again be able to take part to give the gift of time, sitting with a long term care resident and enjoying a visit over the holidays.