Be a Santa To a Senior is a special program that ensures lonely or financially-challenged seniors receive a bit of holiday cheer.
Artificial trees are set up each year in nursing and seniors homes throughout the Halifax area. Hanging from the trees are cards that represent a gift for a senior.
“The person is asked to take a card, buy the item, return it here to Northwood, (or other participating homes) and we'll have a whole crew of volunteers put together those gift bags,” says John Verlinden, community engagement director.
Verlinden says the idea began three years ago.
“We started it at Christmastime, as a way to give every resident a gift bag and it just exploded,” says Verlinden.
The gifts can range from gloves, to slippers, and even chocolate bars.
Be a Santa To a Senior has been a big hit with residents and their families.
“I think it's great, it's awesome,” says resident David Dewolfe. “When I first heard about it, I told my wife about it, and she thought it was great, and she started taking tags off, 'cause she thought it was a beautiful idea.”
Sharon Beckwith is both a resident and volunteer at a nursing home. She does her best to spend time visiting others who live there and says Be a Santa To a Senior is an excellent idea.
“There are residents that don't have family or they don't have company that often,” says Beckwith.
For otherwise isolated seniors on Christmas day the small gifts are especially meaningful.
“They take it around, their face is just like a million dollar smile, and that brightens up the whole day,” says volunteer Doug Barrett.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ron Shaw
