Holidays can be a difficult time for many, but for some seniors it can be particularly tough. Older adults can be lonely for many reasons like health, mobility issues, or just being far away from family.

Santas for Seniors is an initiative organized by sisters Kathy Switzer and Nicole Monteith. The program reaches out to low-income, socially isolated seniors to help them enjoy the holidays this year.

Switzer says, “It is a great way to honour seniors, and for children to stay connected with their grandparents.” Monteith encourages families to make shopping for the seniors a family activity, adding, “Some families with three children get three tags and each child is responsible for buying gifts.”

How it Works

Elders in need of some cheer are nominated by churches, retirement homes and long-term care facilities. Tags are then created with their first name and gift ideas, and then hung on trees hosted by sponsors.

People who want to participate just go to the location of their choice, choose a tag, shop, and bring the gifts back to where they got the tag. After that, Santas for Seniors delivers the gifts from December 20 through Christmas Day.

There are three locations in Brampton:

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 609

Address: 133 Queen St East

Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday 11am to 9pm, Thursday 11am to 10pm, Saturday 11am to 8pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm

Century21 Millennium

Address: 350 Rutherford Road South

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm

Healthy Smile Dental Hygiene Clinic

Address: 164 Queen Street East

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm

You can also support Santas for Seniors online by heading over to their Facebook page here, and requesting an e-tag.

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