Be A Santa to A Senior gift-giving program goes virtual with the help of Amazon Business
This holiday season is going to look different for everyone, but as COVID-19 cases rise and more social distancing restrictions are enforced, seniors across Halifax are especially at risk of significant challenges associated with isolation.
At a time when it may be more important than ever, Home Instead® is once again launching its longstanding Be A Santa to a Senior program, with options available for virtual and contactless gift-giving. This year, for the first time in the program’s 17-year history, Home Instead is teaming up with Amazon Business to create a contactless gift-giving experience for volunteers and recipients. The new Amazon Business collaboration will provide the same holiday cheer to local seniors while also prioritizing the safety and wellness of all who are involved. Last year, more than 2,000 Halifax seniors received 2,000 gifts from the local community.
“Our senior population has been through so much this year, with COVID-19 having detrimental and lasting effects on many older adults’ wellbeing, physical and mental health,” said Alice McCarron, owner of the Halifax Home Instead office. “We’ve all felt lost or lonely at some point during the pandemic, but the reality is that these feelings of isolation are prevalent among seniors, even at the very best of times. A simple gift or small gesture can show them that they have been thought of, which is more important this year than ever.”
It’s easy to help. Members of the community can visit BeASantatoaSenior.com and enter their postal code to view Wish Lists for local seniors on Amazon. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift which will be shipped directly to the senior. There are some gifts that cannot be purchased through Amazon, please call the Home Instead office to learn more.
“We need the community’s help more than ever to make sure seniors feel connected this year,” said McCarron. “This year we knew we had to find a way to spread holiday cheer to seniors, and we are grateful for the community’s participation.”
With adjustments, Home Instead will be able to continue the annual gift-giving program while following social distancing and safety precautions during COVID-19.
For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 902-429-2273.
