A collective effort is underway to wrap up a little love and kindness for residents of two long-term care facilities in Charlottetown.
A special gesture this Christmas may be more welcomed than ever before, says Cheryl Young, recreation department manager for Prince Edward Home and Beach Grove Home.
“Especially with what (residents) have had to go through with isolation and their loved ones not being able to come into the facility,’’ says Young.
The pandemic has caused plenty of angst for and loneliness for residents receiving long-term care.
Young hopes Christmas gifts will help “bring a little joy into the facilities and boost their spirits".
Donations of small gift items are being sought with the hopes of providing each of the 240 residents at Beach Grove Home and Prince Edward Home with a nice surprise the morning of Dec. 25.
In the past, some residents have gone home to spend Christmas with family members. Others have had family join them at the long-term-care facility. Some residents like to put a tree up in their room.
The common thread is the season is special to many of the residents.
Young says some were “quite excited’’ to learn of the gift initiative.
A wide range of items has been suggested as potential gifts, including calendars, colouring books and markers, 300-piece puzzles, scarves, slippers, chocolates, jewelry, assorted candies and soft blanket throws.
Unwrapped gifts (marked as Christmas present for residents) can be dropped off from now until Dec. 6 at the Prince Edward Home and Beach Grove Home.
Jim Day is the health reporter for The Guardian. jim.day@theguardian.pe.ca @PEIGuardian
