Holdiay Gift Program brings festive cheer to Flamborough seniors in need

With the festive season fast approaching, the Flamborough Connects Holiday Gift Program is once again collecting gifts for older adults with low incomes and people without close family or friends.

“It’s so important every year but especially this year and years since COVID because seniors have had such a hard time being able to access the programs and services they need,” said Katie Burnett, Flamborough Connects information, communications and events co-ordinator.

“They have unfortunately just been really isolated and this is a really great way for the community to support its own community and hopefully bring joy and smiles to seniors in Flamborough.”

Jan MacVinnie, the seniors program co-ordinator, had been working on building out wish lists and connecting with local organizations to identify seniors in need, explained Burnett.

So far, 70 seniors will receive gifts this holiday season, with another 15 to 20 more expected to be added to the list of recipients by the Dec. 9 deadline.

The demand for the program has increased, noted Burnett.

“We do, unfortunately, have a couple more seniors than we have in previous years,” she said, attributing the increase, in part, to Flamborough Connects’ ability to reach out to more organizations, seniors homes and people in need. “We’ve just had a lot more feedback in different places where we could find seniors that would be able to participate.”

While there’s still time before the big day, Flamborough Connects has received “a huge interest” from people willing to offer their support of the gift-giving program.

Residents, businesses and community groups can sign up to be matched with a senior by calling 905-689-7880 or emailing admin@flamboroughconnects.ca.

A giving tree at F45 Training Waterdown, located at 477 Dundas St. E., Unit 3, also features the wishes of local program recipients. F45 Training Waterdown members are invited to participate in the Holiday Gift Program by picking up a wish list and dropping off unwrapped gifts by Dec. 4.

Flamborough Connects is also raising funds for its ongoing programming, which supports older adults in the community. Residents can donate online at flamboroughconnects.ca/holiday-gift-program, in person at 163 Dundas St. E. and by e-transfer to admin@flamboroughconnects.ca.

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