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‘Adopt a Senior’ program continues this year for Christmas

Those who wish to can purchase a giftbox to donate to a senior in the community
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You can adopt a senior in Sparwood this Christmas, and treat them to a flowering plant, some treats, and a calendar on the day. File photo from Easter 2021. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)

If you are a senior in Sparwood, you might receive a gift basket for Christmas this year from someone around town.

The ‘Adopt a Senior’ initiative is put on by Buds & Blooms, and calls on those who are willing to buy a $28 gift-box, to be delivered either to an anonymous or specific senior in the community.

The gift-boxes will include an assortment of treats provided by the Causeway Bay Hotel, a calendar put together by Sherry Benko (who started the program earlier in 2021), and a Poinsettia plant from Buds & Blooms.

READ MORE: Brighten a senior’s day with flowers

Kaylena Bonis, who took over ownership of Buds & Blooms in September, said the program is to ensure seniors in the area have “a feeling of community and togetherness” through the holidays.

“We just thought we’d give the seniors something during Christmas,” she said

The program was started this year by Benko for Valentine’s Day. The heightened presence of COVID-19 was one of the motivating factors.

“We realized people in the community, no one could even go visit. So we thought we’d bring them a little something,” Bonis said.

Last year’s ‘adopted’ seniors were gifted treats, a card, and a flowering plant. The plant gave them something they could take care of while being stuck inside, Bonis said.

For Valentine’s Day this year, 114 seniors in Sparwood and Fernie received a gift basket. Then, for Easter, 157 seniors were ‘adopted’ and given baskets. This Christmas, they are hoping to deliver 100 gift-boxes.

The 2021 initiative kicked off on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Those who would like to contribute have until Dec. 17 to do so. Gift-boxes will be sent out the week of Dec. 20.

Bonis said lots of people in the community are asking about the program.

“Seniors were very appreciative last year when we did it.”

“We just want to give back to the community.”

To ‘adopt’ a senior this Christmas, stop in to Buds & Blooms or call them at 250-425-0222.

READ MORE: Adopt a senior this Easter


@fishynewswatch
josh.fischlin@thefreepress.ca

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