How one volunteer is helping to bring joy to the elderly this holiday season
The giving season is upon us – in fact December 3rd was Giving Tuesday, the global movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities.
The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation has launched a Seniors’ Health campaign and one of their heartfelt initiatives will boost spirits of some of the Valley’s more vulnerable older adults. Partnering with IG Wealth Management, Stockings for Seniors is set to provide 150 people with special treats and comfort items.
Janice Hayward has been involved with Stockings for Seniors since its inception three years ago. In addition to being a vital volunteer on the stuffing team, she likes to take her grandchildren shopping so they can pick out something special to give to people in long-term care. She sees it as a meaningful activity to do together and is reminded of her own Grandma Nellie when they shop.
Janice is hopeful that the stocking recipients feel loved and a sense of joy upon receiving their hand-picked gifts. She recalls her grandma feeling quite alone after her grandpa passed away and guesses many of the seniors who receive stockings feel the same.
“I am a fortunate grandma that has my family close, but not everyone does. I feel for these people. We go through life and give of ourselves, we deserve dignity and to be treated with respect and great care as we age,” comments Hayward.
Janice was born and raised in the Comox Valley but spent 16 years living and working in Victoria. Fourteen of those years were spent living aboard a 45-foot sailboat and sailing our beautiful coastline.
Click here to see what small gifts are needed and where to drop them off. Collection period ends on Thursday, December 12th at 4:30pm.
You can also donate online to Stockings for Seniors or to other areas of care through the link below.
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