Those itching to be extra giving this holiday season on the Semiahmoo Peninsula will have the opportunity to play Santa Claus for a group that can often be missed — seniors.
A White Rock-based organization is running its Be a Santa to a Senior program for individuals who would like to experience the joy of gifting to seniors in the community.
“The holidays can be hard for many older adults, especially those who may not have a companion to share them with,” said Gurjot Anmol, owner of the White Rock Home Instead office.
“Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help these seniors experience the happiness and togetherness the season can bring.”
The aim is to collect 200 gifts for 125 seniors in the community, between now and Dec. 5.
To participate, individuals are encouraged to look for a tree or display around the community marked ‘Be a Santa to a Senior.’ There, they can find ornaments that have the name of a senior, with the gift they would most like to receive this year.
Once the gift item is bought, the ‘Santa’ can drop off the present to the same location, unwrapped with the ornament attached to it.
Locations on the Peninsula include Chartwell Crescent Gardens Retirement Community, Leon’s Cafe, Vancity’s Semiahmoo branch and Taylin Childcare’s South Surrey location.
Over the 20-year run of the initiative, Be a Santa to a Senior has gifted 2.2 million presents to 800,000 seniors across North America.
“Gifts aside, the true value comes in the connection Be a Santa to a Senior makes between the community and our older neighbours,” Anmol said.
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