Many people stepped up to be Santa's elves so that local seniors would receive Christmas gifts.
"We have had an overwhelming response from the community to help local seniors," said Wendy Rachwalski, 91原创 Senior Resources Society centre manager of community services. 'Many seniors do not have families and may not get a gift at Christmas, of those seniors, many are struggling to make ends meet."
The seniors centre held this campaign in 2023 and delivered gifts to about 80 seniors. This year, the number has jumped and so has the community support.
"We want to make Christmas a bit brighter for the seniors," she said. "Through generous donations from individuals and businesses in the community, we have been able to put together gift baskets for over 140 seniors in the community."
The gifts were purchased, wrapped and delivered by local companies and RCMP Forensics. Donors also included MacCallum Law Group, Bayfield Mortgage Professionals, Bellevue Park Seniors Living, Westminster Lift and Truck, MLA Jody Toor, London Drugs Santa Stocking Stuffers, and community members. Cash donations allowed organizers to pick up specific items for the seniors.
The wrapping was done by residents at Sunridge Gardens, and volunteers at the seniors centre which serves residents of both 91原创 City and Township.
The seniors receiving baskets were located throughout the 91原创s so many pitched in to help deliver the gifts, including the 91原创 RCMP, RCMP volunteers, realtor Kelly Blouin, and others.
The response when the gifts are delivered has been a gift in itself.
"We already got a call from an older person saying when she opened her door to the handsome policeman, she was so happy to see the gift," Rachwalski said. "It brought her great joy and made her morning."
.jpg)