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Residents at AgeCare Valleyview received gifts through the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program. Kevin Kyle/CHAT News
IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat seniors receive gifts through Stocking Stuffers for Seniors

Dec 17, 2024 | 5:35 PM

Seniors in Medicine Hat received gifts through the Stocking Stuffers for Seniors initiative London Drugs has been doing each year since 2015.

A band was playing, while residents at AgeCare Valleyview where enjoying the music as they each went up to receive gifts handed to them by the Suffield Fire Department along side Mr. and Mrs. Cause on site.

Some of these seniors will wait until Christmas to open their gift, but for resident Lorraine Doll that will happen sooner.

“I’m going to open it tonight. I like presents,” Doll said.

“I mean, I might have one or two at Christmastime, so, I think I’ll open it today.”

READ: London Drugs’ senior loneliness program back for ninth year

Greg Whelpley, store manager at London Drugs Medicine Hat said they have amazing support from AgeCare and the community, and it’s heart warming to see the seniors receiving the gifts.

“One thing that I think is really important is that we get to remember and recognize our seniors,” Whelpley.

“They are a group of society that it’s easy for them to become self isolated and lonely,” he added.

“Our whole purpose behind this is to try and bring some joy and happiness to those who may not have family and friends at this time of the year with Christmas season.”

London Drugs had a tree set up at their store and AgeCare provided tags to the story.

“A customer comes in and grabs a tag and it has a listing on there of what a resident would need or require or want,” Whelpley said.

“Then the customer fills that up and brings it back to the store and Age Care comes and picks it up and they have the party to hand them out.”

For Doll having the festivities taking place at AgeCare Valleyview brings joy to herself and the other residents.

“It’s really great. It’s so uplifting to come to something like that,” Doll said.

“Our band is so good. Really great band, and the staff really goes all out and makes sure that we’re all taken care of, and fed, you know, and all the good things.”

Some of the gifts Doll mentioned she was interested in where a gift card to go out for dinner, a new puzzle or a deck of cards.