This holiday season is going to look different for everyone, but as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, seniors across Burnaby are especially at risk of significant challenges associated with isolation.
At a time when it may be more important than ever, the company Home Instead is once again launching its Be a Santa to a Senior program. Extra precautions will be taken so gifts can be safely collected and delivered to seniors in need, the company said.
“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 Harpreet Singh, co-owner of the Burnaby 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.”
Be a Santa to a Senior relies on the support of the Burnaby community, as well as area businesses, nonprofit organizations, and retailers.
Home Instead is continuing its four-year long partnership with London Drugs to help with gift collection this year.
Chaffey-Burke Elementary students will also be participating by creating personalized cards to be delivered to each senior, alongside the gifts that are being purchased by the community.
It’s easy to help and members of the community can visit London Drugs (located at 4970 Kingsway) and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display from Nov. 12 to Dec. 15. The tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions.
Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store. This year, in an effort to minimize gift handling by multiple people, the Home Instead team is requesting shoppers return the present in a giftbag with the ornament securely attached.
“We need the community’s help more than ever to make sure seniors feel connected this year,” said Singh. “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, as well as the continued support from London Drugs.”
Since the program’s creation in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior has provided approximately 2.1 million gifts for more than 750,000 seniors nationwide. With adjustments, Home Instead will be able to continue the annual gift-giving program while following social distancing and safety precautions during COVID-19.
