Service to Seniors (STS) Niverville has a new coordinator, and she’s hoping to provide a happy holiday season for the older folks in town.
Elissa Leah took on the role of STS coordinator towards the end of August this year, but then she had to take a medical leave. As of October 24, though, she has been working hard for the seniors of the area.
Leah previously worked as the recreation coordinator for the Niverville Credit Union Manor, so she already had significant experience with senior citizens.
“I absolutely love working with the seniors and enjoyed my time in the Manor,” Leah says. “Many of those residents have become family, so I felt [this new position] was a great opportunity to be able to meet more seniors in the community and provide them with many programs to keep them active in the community.”
This holiday season, Leah is spearheading the annual Santa for Seniors initiative. She is hoping to accept donated gifts from kind souls in the area, then put together gift packages for deserving seniors.
“We are hoping to reach seniors that maybe don’t have family close by, have had a hard year, etc.,” she says. “We just want to make their day brighter and put a smile on their face. We are hoping to have some of the Nighthawks players help us with delivery, too. Unfortunately, this year I have no funding to support this, so I am relying on donations. But I feel it is important to continue.”
In past years, the Santa for Seniors program has reached approximately 60 elderly folks from the community. Because of this year’s lack of funding, Leah’s goal is slightly lower. She is aiming to have 40 gift packages to hand out.
Service to Seniors will accept cash donations or donations of items. Leah suggests items such as puzzles, chocolate, crossword puzzle books, lotions, socks, and gift cards.
If you would like to suggest the name of a senior citizen who could use a little Christmas cheer or if you would like to assist in brightening a senior’s holiday, please contact Elissa Leah at 204-388-2188 or sts@heritagecentre.ca.