Sixty-two volunteers in elderly outreach
Sixty-two eager volunteers turned out on Thursday to spend time with the elderly at various nursing homes, in efforts to spread holiday cheer.
Visits were made to the Ivy Hall Memorial Home, St Vincent De Paul Home, Uncle Eddies Home and to the private homes of a few citizens.
“The volunteer drive was an opportunity for individuals from the public to have first hand experience of how some seniors who are away from family would be spending the holidays. It was also aimed at bringing Christmas cheer and some happiness into the lives of those seniors,” CEO of Community Health Care (CHC) Abbigale Loncke said. CHC hosted the event.
The volunteers had responded to a call made by Loncke via Facebook, for 30 to 40 volunteers to dedicate an hour of their time at the homes on Thursday. Loncke was surprised at the overwhelming response, and within hours of the post being made, nearly double the volunteer target had expressed interest.
“We had students, entrepreneurs, youth groups and families taking time off to be a part of this drive. It is the first year and I’m extremely proud of all our volunteers and thankful to them for making this happen. Ms Sandra from the Ivy Hall Memorial Home showing off her manicure, compliments of volunteer Deondra Wishart.
Right now we have 62 seniors who are going to remember this Christmas and the little cheer we brought to their lives,” she expressed.
The volunteers spent a few hours at the homes interacting with the individuals they had been
paired with, whether it was simply through conversation, playing games, or even giving them makeovers.
Gizmos and Gadgets also chipped in by donating a hamper, lunch, and a television set to the elderly folks at the Ivy Hall Home.