A fortunate few will be getting their angel wings this holiday season.
The Be An Angel to a Senior gift-giving program brings joy (and presents) to the kids-at-heart in the Stratford area.
The Rotaract Club of Stratford’s program is now in it’s seventh year, and the community has rallied to sponsor more than 485 seniors.
Sarah Merkel, the Be An Angel Coordinator for the club, explained that the program works with agencies in like One Care, The Local Community Food Centre, Emily Murphy Centre, Optimism Place, Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association, House of Blessing, Community Living and the Alzheimer’s Society.
“So we work with them and get them to identify seniors that might need some extra cheer at Christmas time or seniors that are in need,” said Merkel.
The community is asked to sponsor gifts for seniors, therefore becoming an angel.
“Times can be tough for people out there, especially with the cost of living and housing situation, and the increased cost of food and transportation,” said Merkel.
Most gifts requests are grocery store gift cards.
“The sad thing is its actually being used to cover their basic needs, but what we have heard time and time again…is that that little bit helps them out around Christmas time and they are so appreciative of receiving that gift from a community member.”
They have received an “overwhelming response” from community.
Each senior receives their gift along with a card, a hand-crafted trinket, and a Rheo Thompson chocolate.
To learn more about the work the Rotaract Club of Stratford does, find them on Facebook.
