More than 2,700 Calgary area senior citizens who live in solitude are set to receive a personalized gift this Christmas thanks to the Seniors Secret Service and donations from kind-hearted Calgarians.
Since 1985, the Seniors Secret Service has created profiles of elderly people who live on their own. Secrets Santas are matched with a recipient and, using the information provided in the profile, purchase a gift for their senior.
"The secret is sharing," says Greta Martin, President of the society. "Our mission is to provide gifts and recognition to seniors who otherwise might be overlooked during the holidays and on their birthdays. This year we have again seen an increase in demand due to the increasing number of isolated seniors in Calgary. In addition, many of the seniors we serve were affected by the June floods."
On Saturday, December 7, dozens of volunteers will sort the donated gifts at a southeast warehouse. The parcels and cards will be distributed later in the month with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service, West Direct Express and the Magic of Christmas.
Secret Santas have been assigned for all of the 2,740 seniors selected for the 2013 campaign, but the organization appreciates donations year round. Seniors Secret Santa has created a wish lift of items which are always in need including boxes of chocolates, cookies, or candy, jigsaw puzzles and calendars.
For more information on the society and how you can help, visit Seniors Secret Society.
