Santa for Seniors: A story of generosity
It all started with an idea from a grade six student in Cathy Nguyen-Stanshall's class. Each year the students at Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary school in Waterdown celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by donating to food drives and toy drives, but this season they decided to be, "Santa for Seniors."
"Somebody remembered us!"
Cathy started by connecting with St. Joe's Public Affairs department to see what opportunities there were to donate for the holiday season. St. Joseph's West 5th Campus has two inpatient units dedicated to caring for seniors with mental illness and staff welcomed the warm and thoughtful idea. After receiving the gift list suggested by the Director of Senior Mental Health, with items such as chocolate pudding, cheetos, colouring books, and stuffed toys, the students got to work.
"We have changed the mindset of even our own students through compassion and selflessness."
A couple of weeks passed before the gifts were ready to be dropped off to the West 5th Habour North and Harbour East units, a total of 36 beds. The two five-six classes combined collected goods that included $100 iTunes gift cards, toiletries, teddy bears, play dough, and puzzle books. Rebecca St Anne, a Grade five-six teacher at Guardian Angels school delivered the gifts the week before Christmas and had the chance to meet some of the grateful staff from Harbour North 1. "Somebody remembered us!" excitedly exclaimed one of the RPNs of Harbour North 1, "the patients are going to love this."
The Christmas season, although full of joy, can be a difficult time for people for various reasons. Many of the senior inpatients at West 5th no longer have regular visitors, or receive gifts during this time of year, and this gracious donation spread the spirit of giving and hope. The Guardian Angels school students were excited to see the photos sent back from staff, and look forward to donating again next Christmas. "I had a chat with the students this morning about the effect they have through their donations," said Cathy,"and I know we have changed the mindset of even our own students through compassion and selflessness."
Harbour North 1 staff Lindsay Heisey (RPN), <Kim McDougall (RPN), Juarte Kuroeikis (RPN), Anastasya Tomilova (RPN), Justin Bonte (RPN), and with Rebecca St Anne (Grade 5/6 teacher, Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School).