Youngsters adopt a senior
Palmerston North youngsters have helped make the day for the elderly at an adopt a senior Christmas party.
The adopt a senior programme is run by Nicole Chang and is a gift-giving project for rest homes, where donated goods are given as presents.
It also helps keep older people company at Christmas time.
Chang put on the seasonal event at Ultimate Care Aroha rest home in Palmerston North yesterday, where the residents were treated to Christmas carols on a saxophone, presents and a special lunch.
Chang’s group of volunteers and their children handed out the presents in a heart-warming exercise of yuletide cheer.
Adopt a senior runs at just one rest home, but Chang said she was thinking about doing something similar for people who lived by themselves.
‘‘I hate the thought of people being alone at Christmas,’’ she said.
‘‘There’s charities that cover everything except the elderly. ‘‘This is what I wanted to do.’’ Ultimate Care Aroha resident Josie Pinker, 89, said the event was fantastic.
‘‘It’s absolutely wonderful. I just can’t get over it,’’ she said. ‘‘I’ve never been spoiled like this before.’’
Pinker was chuffed at receiving a shawl, a hat and a mug, which were handed over by Chang’s 3-year-old daughter Mia.
‘‘It’s even brought tears to my eyes,’’ Pinker said.