In 2023, the Heritage Community Association launched the Santas for Seniors program to bring holiday cheer to seniors in the Heritage neighborhood who might be experiencing isolation during the festive season.

Did you know that senior isolation is linked to numerous negative outcomes, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and physical health issues like heart disease? Studies show that prolonged loneliness can even reduce life expectancy. Many seniors face barriers like mobility challenges, lack of social networks, or living far from family, leaving them without meaningful connections, especially during the holidays.

The Santas for Seniors program aims to counteract these risks by fostering connection and joy. Many seniors in our community are registered for the program thanks to the incredible support of charitable organizations in the neighborhood. We provide supporters with all the pertinent information they need to purchase thoughtful gifts for their adopted senior, creating a heartwarming experience that echoes the joy of opening a present during the holiday season.

The success of this program over the past two years has been largely thanks to the dedicated staff at Viterra, the staff and players of the Regina Pats, and, more recently, the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. Their adoptive support has been truly remarkable, and our heartfelt thanks will never be enough for their kindness and generosity.

For the 2024 Santas for Seniors program, we stepped things up a notch! As always, our goal is to do more and make an even greater impact. With that in mind, we introduced a new element: a special holiday meal for the seniors receiving gifts.

We hosted a wonderful turkey dinner with all the fixings, complete with festive holiday crackers for our guests to crack open with a partner at their table, adding a fun and cheerful touch to the celebration. To make the occasion even more memorable, we included a photo booth to capture the joyful moments we shared as a group. For those who didn’t feel comfortable joining a social setting, we ensured their gifts were delivered to them the same day, spreading warmth and holiday cheer directly to their doorstep.