Did you know that, according to recent Statistics Canada data, as many as 1.4 million elderly Canadians report feeling lonely?
Each year, these seniors have fewer family members and friends to provide company and care, which can lead to social isolation. The holidays can be especially hard for those who are living independently and may feel lonely.
That’s why the Home Instead Senior Care Office serving Burnaby is inviting the community to provide gifts and holiday cheer to 260 seniors who may be isolated from friends or family this holiday season through its Be a Santa to a Seniors program.
“Be a Santa to a Seniorhelps bring comfort and a smile to many local seniors. It shows that society cares about them, and sees them as an important part of the community,” said Harpreet Singh, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Burnaby, in a news release. “Social isolation is a concern among seniors, and the holidays often intensify feelings of distance and loneliness. When we deliver gifts and spend time with them, it makes a big difference.”
Go to one of the participating locations and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display from Nov. 19 to Dec. 7. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and their desired gifts. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached.
Community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors in time for the holidays.
Trees are located at the VanCity at 5064 Kingsway or the London Drugs at 4970 Kingsway.
The local Home Instead Senior Care office has partnered with George Derby Centre and Fellburn Care Centre in Burnaby to identify seniors who might need a little extra holiday cheer.
For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.ca or call the Burnaby office at 604-432-1139.
