'Be a Santa to a Senior' program returns to spread holiday cheer in Richmond Hill, Vaughan

Long-running Home Instead program delivers gifts to local older adults

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 23, 2021
Yoyo Yan

Looking for a way to make a meaningful difference in your community? Become a "Santa" to a senior and help an older adult enjoy the holiday season they deserve.

The holidays are supposed to be a time for warmth and happiness celebrated with those we love. But for many older adults who are socially isolated or financially needy, it can be anything but.

As COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, Home Instead Richmond Hill and Vaughan is once again launching its long-standing Be a Santa to a Senior program, which supports older adults who may be overlooked, isolated or alone during the holiday season.

This long-running local program collects gifts to share with older adults. This year, donations will come from residents at local retirement communities, and these gifts will then be shared with other seniors who will be spending Christmas in Cortellucci Hospital and Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill Hospital.

"We've all experienced feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, and seniors are at a particularly high risk for isolation," said Brenda Enright, co-owner of the Home Instead office serving Richmond Hill and Vaughan.

"Be a Santa to a Senior shows the older adults in our community that they are valued and thought of during the holidays, even if they are spending it in the hospital."

The gifts collected, which are often necessity items such as toiletries, clothing and blankets, make a big impact and help Richmond Hill and Vaughan area seniors combat the holiday blues.

This year's "seniors helping seniors" initiative reminds older adults in hospitals that they are cherished by the community during the holiday season.

Since the program's inception 18 years ago, Be a Santa to a Senior has helped provide more than two million gifts to over 750,000 older adults in North America and attracted upwards of 65,000 volunteers. This year, the program aims to help an additional 70 older adults in Vaughn area hospitals. Gifts will be delivered in time for the holidays.

"A small act of kindness can make a big difference. And a heartfelt gift brightens the lives of older adults who may feel alone during the season," said Enright. "Finding ways to care and support one another is important now more than ever."

For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 905-597-4757.

If you have a passion for giving back and helping older adults, visit homeinstead.ca/home-care-jobs to learn more about becoming a caregiver. From personal care and companionship to transportation and meal preparation, compassionate caregivers allow older adults to remain in their homes.