NEWS RELEASE
SENIOR WISH ASSOCIATION
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The Holiday season can be a difficult time for seniors who are alone or isolated. That’s why the Senior Wish Association is working hard to make the season special for them - ensuring, through its Christmas Wish program, each have gifts to open Christmas morning.
“Being lonely is heartbreaking,” says Pat Imrie, chair of Christmas Wish 2017. “Our goal is to reach every senior in our community who would otherwise be alone during the holiday season.”
Senior Wish Association identifies lonely and isolated seniors with help from long term care facilities, retirement homes, Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, Churches, youth groups, and other community services and organizations. This information is made available to anyone who wants to provide personalized gifts to one or more seniors in their community.
“Although it’s sad to imagine anyone alone at Christmas, we are thankful to receive these names as well as names provided by community members, hospitals, fire and police departments; all of whom assist us in identifying seniors that can benefit from Christmas Wish,” adds Imrie.
Through the generosity of local businesses, members of the community and volunteers, the Senior Wish Association is able to continue their Christmas Wish program, now in its 7th year, but the need continues to grow.
Local partners and supporters like the Faris Team at Royal LePage First Contact Realty, Amica Retirement Residences, Waterford Retirement Homes, Barrie Chrysler, Telus Mobility, local schools like Kempenfelt Bay School, service clubs and many more all help to make Christmas brighter for seniors through fundraising events, donations and companionship.
Many individuals and their families participate and “Adopt a Senior” or donate items to be put into gift baskets. Drop off boxes are located across the city and special events are planned to help raise money for Christmas Wish. For a complete list of events, box locations or how you can help, visit www.aseniorwish.com.
A few upcoming events include:
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Barrie Chrysler is holding special events throughout the month so they can adopt two senior residences.
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The annual Tour of Christmas Lights is happening on Dec. 6 starting at 5:30 p.m. city buses will take seniors from local retirement and long-term care facilities for a tour of Christmas lights around Barrie – ending at Heritage Park.
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Residents are encouraged to light up their homes and let us know if your street is willing to work together to Light Up The Night.
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Final wrap up night will be held on Monday, Dec. 11 at Liberty North 100 Caplan Ave., Barrie, starting at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers are welcome. It’s a great opportunity for families to spend time together wrapping presents, making Christmas cards, all in the spirit of the season. All gifts will be hand delivered before Christmas.
For more information on how you can support Christmas Wish, please contact Barb Richards or Pat Imrie at 705-726-2120 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
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