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French immersion students brighten up Christmas for seniors

Cards to be included in gift bags for seniors
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Grade 7 Skeena Middle School French immersion student Audrey Arsenault creates a personalized Christmas card for a local senior. (Tracey Carter photo)

Local seniors who perhaps need a bit of a lift at Christmas are to get exactly that this season.

More than 35 seniors will be getting individually-addressed and created cards prepared by Grade 7 Skeena Middle School French immersion students.

The project began when French immersion teacher Tracey Carter came across a poster promoting the Santa for Seniors gift program sponsored by Volunteer Terrace.

“The Grade 7 students adore art, drawing and the holiday season, so this was a perfect idea to give back this season,” said Carter after discussing the idea with Danielle Larson from Volunteer Terrace.

The cards will be delivered to Volunteer Terrace’s offices across from the post office this week and will then be attached to gift bags being prepared for delivery to local seniors.

There aren’t enough cards for every senior receiving a gift bag so Larson chose those she knew who might be alone this Christmas and who may not regularly receive any Christmas cards. Last year 125 seniors received gift bags in what was the sixth year for Volunteer Terrace’s Santa for Seniors program.

Volunteer Terrace sets up a Christmas tree on which are attached names of seniors and their wish list of a gift or gifts. People then drop by the office and pluck a tag.

“It can be a scarf, a blanket, a kitchen appliance, chocolates — something that is special to the senior,” said Larson of typical requests.

She’s anticipating receiving at least the same number of names this year as last year, noting that numbers have been increasing in recent years.

“People have been very generous in their support,” Larson added.

“Not all seniors have access to transportation or can get out.”

Gifts will be wrapped by volunteers and Dec. 20 is the cut off date to receive requests.

Those wishing to learn more can call Volunteer Terrace at 250-638-1330 or visit its office which is across Emerson from the main Canada Post office. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. The gift bags will be delivered from Dec. 20 to Dec. 23.