Program supports seniors at Christmastime

The Clearview chapter of Senior Wish Association is looking for individuals and businesses that would like to help spread holiday cheer to local seniors in need by purchasing a gift for them from their wish-list.

The seniors are supported through the Bags of Love program because they have no family, or their family does not visit over the holidays, or their families struggle financially and are not able to provide gifts for relatives.

There is currently about 50 seniors on the list for this year, but organizers are seeing an increase in need and expect more recipients to be registered, especially with the growth of the new Stayner Care Centre.

Potential gift givers who are assigned a senior will be provided their first name, gender, wish-list, sizing if applicable, favourite colour and whether or not there are dietary considerations to keep in mind. The participants then complete their shopping and can either drop off their unwrapped gift or arrange for it to be picked up.

The shopping deadline is Dec. 4, at which point volunteers, sort and package the gifts and deliver them to the care homes in the for Christmas.

Monetary donations are also accepted if people prefer the volunteers to do the shopping.

Anyone wishing to participate in the Bags of Love campaign this year are encouraged to reach out to Myrna Kearnan at seniorwish55@gmail.com.

For more information, visit aseniorwish.com.