‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ and Brighten Local Seniors’ Holiday Season
Etobicoke, ON – Nov. 1, 2018 – Did you know, according to recent Statistics Canada data, as many as 1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely? Each year, these seniors have fewer family members and friends to provide company and care to them, which often can lead to social isolation. The holidays can be especially hard for those who are living independently and may feel lonely.
That’s why the Home Instead Etobicoke office is inviting the community to come together to provide gifts and holiday cheer to seniors who may be isolated from friends or family this holiday season through its Be a Santa to a Senior ® program. In the 15 years since the program’s creation, this office has collected and distributed over 3 500 gifts to more than 3 000 seniors in the community of Etobicoke.
“Be a Santa to a Senior” helps bring comfort and a smile to many seniors. It shows them that people care about them and see them as an important part of the community,” said Brenda Enright of the Etobicoke Home Instead office. “Social isolation is a concern among seniors and the holidays often intensify feelings of distance and loneliness. When we deliver the gifts and spend some time with them, it makes a big difference.”
Be a Santa to a Senior is a true community program, getting generous support from Etobicoke businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community. The local Home Instead office has partnered with Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart, Trillium Health Partners, Taspestry at Village Gate West to help with gift collection and distribution.
It’s easy to help out. Go to one of the participating locations listed below and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display from November 13 to December 4. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and their desired gifts. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached. There’s no need to worry about wrapping — community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors in time for the holidays.
“We’re always excited to see how much Be a Santa to a Senior boosts seniors’ spirits during the holiday season,” said Enright. “And we are grateful to be a part of a community that comes together to make this happen.”
Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:
Tapestry at Village Gate West, 15 Summerland Terrace, Etobicoke, ON M9A 0B5
Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart, Six Points Plaza, 5230 Dundas St. West, Etobicoke ON, M9B 1A8
For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.ca or call (416) 239-2200.
For more information about how you can help seniors in isolation in your community, visit imreadytocare.ca
Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Catalogue 82-003- X2016:Vol.24,No 3
