FORT FRANCES — Every December at Rainycrest Long-Term Care, angels and caring people bring joy.
Riverside Health Care’s annual Tree of Giving program is underway at Rainycrest, and Riverside’s other long-term care homes in Emo and Rainy River as well.
Paper angels hang from decorated Christmas trees at the facilities’ entrances, and each angel has a short gift list for a resident.
Generous community members do the rest.
“Each angel is very specific towards a resident,” explains Calli Vandenbrand, resident experience activation coordinator at Rainycrest.
“So it has some things that they need or would like on it. Anywhere from socks or pyjamas to a book or things like that – it’s very specific towards each resident.
“And then (community members) are asked to go shopping and then return the gift by the date on the back of the angel.”
The date varies from Dec. 13 to Dec. 20, depending on the site.
Residents, who remain anonymous throughout the process, receive their presents on Christmas Day in Emo and Rainy River, and on Christmas Eve at Rainycrest.
The care and generosity are very much appreciated, Vandenbrand said.
“Oh, my goodness. The residents, I’ve never seen them so happy.
“Some of them, you know, are non-verbal with the extent of their dementia and things like that, and the smiles and the tears of joy that come out of their eyes – it is the best thing to watch.
“They’re so happy and thankful for anything that they get, and it’s great to see that Christmas joy brought to them.”
Some residents might not have family visiting this Christmas, Vandenbrand said. “And this way we ensure that every resident gets a gift and no one’s forgotten.”
Staff at the long-term care facilities ask every resident what they want for Christmas, she said.
For those unable to express what they want, she said, “we ask the nursing staff, who know them really well, what the resident could use or what they would like.
“We know our residents very well, they’re all like family. So we know if they like cats or, you know, if they’re really into puzzles or dolls or things like that. So each angel is very specific.”
Riverside has some general guidelines and suggestions for gift buyers. For example: no perishable food and no slippery footwear.
“We thank the public for being so generous,” said Vandenbrand, who can be reached for more information at 807-274-3261 ext. 2543.
“The residents truly do appreciate it, and we appreciate people taking time out of their day.”
She says thanks, in other words, for being on the side of the angels.
