For the ninth consecutive year, Community Care Northumberland will support seniors throughout the
county this holiday season through the organization’s Adopt a Grandparent program.
This program spreads joy by surprising seniors who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness with meaningful gifts during the holiday season. Last year, Community Care Northumberland reached over 130 “grandparents” across Northumberland County.
Trish Baird, Chief Executive Officer for Community Care Northumberland comments, “This program brings smiles of appreciation not only from our ‘Grandparents’ but from the many individuals and families who join together to support a holiday gift and from the volunteers and staff who deliver the gift. Adopt a Grandparent demonstrates the true spirit of the season and the generosity of our community.”
In a card received by Community Care Northumberland from an adopted grandparent last year, they wrote: “Your gifts meant so much to me. The few members of my very scattered family who had been here for my birthday had just left. The bird feeder went into immediate use, as my existing ones had rusted out. Four woodpeckers appeared at once, with the cardinals close behind. All the other lovely things were discovered, needed, and enjoyed. You made Christmas for me, my cat, and my dog. Thank you.”
This heartfelt message highlights the meaningful impact of the program, bringing joy, comfort, and connection to people in our community during the holiday season.
This year, members of the community who are interested in adopting a grandparent can do so by calling Community Care Northumberland at 1-866-514-5774 or by emailing wellness@commcare.ca to be matched with a senior. Purchased gifts may be dropped off at a local office to be delivered to our ‘Grandparents’ by our volunteers the week before Christmas.
Community Care Northumberland asks that all unwrapped gifts (gift bags or baskets are okay) be dropped off to a local office on or before Friday, December 5th.
Individuals may also Adopt a Grandparent by donating to this program and Community Care Northumberland staff will do the shopping.
We kindly ask participants to refrain from including homemade baked goods. We ask that you include washing instructions for any handmade items, such as scarves or mittens. Other gift suggestions include gift cards for local stores or gift certificates for Community Care Northumberland programs, such as Meals on Wheels or Transportation.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
