Community spirit is all around us this time of year with people of all ages and businesses giving and sharing cards, gifts, good wishes, and thoughts for seniors in Stettler lodges.
Kris Coolen, Activities Coordinator for Stettler Seniors Lodges, talked to us about the fantastic response from the community this year. From handwritten cards from students, and cards and candy from kids in daycare to YouTube video links to watch school Christmas concerts virtually, the community has stepped up to help. A shout out to Stettler Community Family and Support Services (FCSS) for gifting all seniors at three lodges with poinsettias and Action Plumbing for donating supplies to Botha School that helped students create handmade snowmen. As Coolen said, “it was a first for many seniors to receive handmade gifts that were made from toilet paper”.
For shut-in seniors that live alone in the community, please remember to check on them as your friend, neighbour, offer to shovel their sidewalk or bring some baking. A kind gesture goes a long way, and they need our support now more than ever during these difficult times.
Cindy Savage, Owner, Stettler Flowers, started a Christmas fundraiser to design and send poinsettia arrangements to all seniors living in care homes in Stettler, and she was blown away by the generosity of 150 residents that donated to the cause.
“I’m also handwriting cards to be included with each arrangement with the names of the donors included for a personal touch”. Cindy Savage, Stettler Flowers
Savage’s goal was to fundraise for 300 arrangements and by meeting that goal, Stettler Flowers has matched the donations for 600 arrangements to be created and delivered to seniors and staff in Stettler, Bashaw and Castor care homes. Savage and her staff are busy making the arrangements, and deliveries start on Dec 19 to Heritage House, Bashaw and Castor. Stettler care homes that include Points West, Paragon, Heart Haven, and Willow Creek will have theirs delivered by Christmas Eve.
Jody Craig, Reporter