Help spread holiday cheer and Be a Santa to a Senior

While the holidays are about spending time with family, it can be a difficult time for many, especially those who live alone or have lost spouses and loved one.

But, this season, Sudburians can help spread some cheer to area seniors by participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior program, which helps to ensure isolated seniors receive gifts and companionship during the holidays.

The program is run by the Sudbury Home Instead Senior Care office in partnership with a local long-term care facility, area retailers, volunteers and members of the community.

Participating partners in the Be a Santa to a Senior program will display Christmas trees at the ParkSide Senior Centre Centre, 140 Durham St., and The HEART Locations (Downtown Rainbow Centre, Hanmer and Chelmsford) from Nov. 12 to Dec. 17 that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Sudbury residents can pick an ornament from these trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped, with the ornament attached.

Volunteers will collect, wrap and distribute the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

“Be a Santa to a Senior gives back to older adults in our area, many of whom have had significant, positive influence on our lives,” said Lisette Wirta, owner of the Sudbury Home Instead Senior Care office. “During this season of giving, we encourage shoppers to buy a little extra to say thank you to these community members.”

For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.ca or call 705-523-1600.