SANTA TO A SENIOR HALDIMAND & SIX NATIONS
Helping Our Community One Person At A Time...
What happens when you bring someone a bit of Christmas cheer? You remind them of the magic that is community and how wonderful it is to be a part of it together.
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Become a part of the magic by getting involved with Santa to a Senior this year!
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Not everyone has the time or means to go out shopping for a gift. If you prefer to donate money instead that can be used by our Santa to a Senior Team to buy a gift you can Donate Funds below.
SANTA TO A SENIOR AT A GLANCE
Santa to a Senior - Haldimand is a local organization that facilitates and organizes donors (Santa's) to purchase a gift for a person in our community support systems. With the support of our community partners we are able to collect and then distribute those gifts to the people who need them. In 2020, we realized that by working together we could overcome the challenges of the pandemic bringing some much needed cheer and connection to the persons who had been cut off from the world. Since then we have grown in size and demand servicing people of both Haldimand & Six Nations. Through the generosity of community volunteers we bring hundreds of gifts to deserving individuals. We support more than just the Seniors that our name indicates and believe that putting an age limit on who receives assistance is not what we are about. Santa to a Senior has become a tradition that many families do together. From picking a recipient, to shopping for their gift, to helping deliver in our Gift Giving Parade. Santa to a Senior celebrates the best parts of the holidays, GIVING, HELPING OTHERS, and WORKING TOGETHER.
WHAT WE DO
What is 'Santa to a Senior' Haldimand? We donate Christmas gifts to seniors living in Long Term Care, Retirement Facilities, Assisted Living, and Independent individuals living at home across Haldimand County and Six Nations who are in need this Christmas. Generous residents across Haldimand sign up to be a "Santa", and choose their recipient. Their needs or wish lists often include items such as cozy socks or body wash, but can range from books on Holland or anything Elvis! Persons in need can also be nominated to the program.
Santa to a Senior - Haldimand is in the business of taking small acts of kindness and turning them into big moments of joy. We use the power of community to make maximum impact in as many lives as possible. We make sure our members are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals to get involved in as many ways as they can. Whether it be buying a single gift for one person, being a financial donor, becoming a delivery driver, or even becoming a part of our leadership committee,
there is a spot for everyone!
PLANNING
An enormous amount of planning goes into each season behind the scenes. It is important that all things run smoothly to create the best experience for all involved!
COORDINATING
Coordination with our community care coordinators, facilities, and families is crucial to reaching the right people.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Connecting with our community through social media, news print, and radio helps us gain the maximum involvement and best outcomes for the recipients.
BUYING THE GIFTS
Each donor is receives a personalized wish list from their recipient if available. The items are as unique as the individual ranging from warm mittens to an Elvis Presley cd, to a Christmas dinner.
COLLECTING AND STORING THE GIFTS
The gifts are collected and dropped off during a specific week in December at our local Home Hardwares in Caledonia, Cayuga, Hagersville, and Dunnville where they are sorted and checked off the list.
DISTRIBUTING THE GIFTS
Perhaps the best part of the whole process is being able to see the smiles on the faces of staff and recipients when they realize just how important they are to our community.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others."
Booker T. Washington
