New Westminster's Seniors Services Society is hoping local residents will play Santa to seniors in need this Christmas.
The society runs the annual program where people can pick up a gift for a senior at a local shop.
"We have a lot of seniors in the community that are isolated, they maybe don't have a network anymore of friends, lots of people have experienced loss as they age, maybe families live at a distance," said Kelly Friesen, an independent living coordinator with the society. "We want to make sure seniors in our community are not overlooked this time of year."
The society is hoping to help more than 200 seniors this year. So far, 169 have signed up for the program.
"We are supporting at-risk and homeless seniors, seniors that are displaced and maybe in the shelter system," Friesen added. "It's terrible enough not to have support and family (during) the holidays, ... it's a whole other scenario when you don't have a home on top of it."
To get involved, visit one of the participating shops before Dec. 13, and look for a Christmas tree decorated with tags. Grab one of the tags (or more if you are feeling especially generous), and shop for a gift, which can be left at the customer service desk. Seniors Services Society will wrap and deliver the present to one of hundreds of vulnerable seniors in the community.
There are five participating stores: London Drugs (at 7280 Market Crossing and 555 Sixth St.), Save-On-Foods in Sapperton, Your Dollar Store With More at 811 Carnarvon St. and the PaddleWheeler Pub at 810 Quayside Dr.
