The Queen’s Park Healthcare Volunteer Society is taking a break this year from organizing its popular Homes for the Holidays tour but still has some festive plans to raise fund for much-needed items at two local facilities.
Located in Queen’s Park Care Centre, the Quintessential gift shop has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Along with the shop, the foyer will be decorated for the festivities taking place on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., when all merchandise will be reduced by 15 per cent and parking is free.
“This is our Christmas fundraiser this year so we are hoping those people who enjoyed the homes tour, as well as those looking for unique gifts and home décor, will come to our shopping event for some retail therapy and Christmas cheer,” said Colleen McDonald, the society’s vice chair. “All proceeds from the sales at the shop go directly to those in care at (the centre).”
For those who can’t make the special holiday event, the gift shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (but parking isn’t free). The gift shop is located just inside the entrance of Queen’s Park Care Centre at 315 McBride Blvd.
“We have more than just Christmas. We have some beautiful ponchos, shawls, pashminas, and of course home décor and Christmas decorations,” McDonald said of the Dec. 2 sale.
Through its fundraising efforts, the society currently covers the monthly cost of WiFi at Queen’s Park Care Centre and William Rudd House and provides funds for Concerts in Care. It recently purchased the Java Music Programme, a peer support activity group program designed for residential care, and will provide funds for the Christmas Giving Event, which ensures all those in care receive a meaningful gift at Christmas.
For those who love attending the tour of homes decorated for the holidays, McDonald is hopeful the Homes for the Holidays tour will return to the Royal City next year.
