Twenty-one lucky South Delta seniors received deluxe pandemic pick-me-up care packages as part of B.C. Seniors week, in an initiative driven by Bria Communities seniors’ residences.
Greg Sharpe nominated his wife Gerry, noting the challenges the mother of five and grandmother of nine, has faced in the past year — a health crisis, loss of a loved one, and not being able to see family during an emotional time.
“But Gerry just took it in stride and is a fighter! I would dearly love to see her receive such a lovely gift basket,” he wrote.
Gerry received one of the care packages valued at almost $300 and loaded with gifts from local businesses like Boutique Blanche, Chocolate Bear, Meridian Farm Market and Sunnyside Nurseries.
In a message to Andie Bakehouse after she dropped the package off, Gerry wrote, “I sincerely thank you and everyone involved in creating such a wonderful and thoughtful gift basket! I was overwhelmed and quite emotional when you were at my door. The selection of gifts could not have been more tailored to my current needs.”
Bakehouse, who coordinated the project on behalf of The Waterford and The Wexford seniors’ residences, was overwhelmed as well.
“There was a huge outpouring of love for the seniors in our community. We saw 114 nominations come in. Some were unbelievably inspiring — include three seniors who rescued a capsized boater off Tsawwassen beach. Others were totally heartbreaking. It’s evident that people really care deeply for the seniors around them and understand the toll the past 15 months has had,” said Bakehouse.
Also inspiring was the involvement of local businesses to help make the baskets deluxe.
Eighteen local businesses contributed so generously that in the end 21 gift baskets were given away, each worth almost $300. In addition, businesses generously gave supplies to create 70 ‘swag bags’ given to each senior nominated.
“The reality is that for many small businesses, it’s been a difficult year, and to see them generously support our seniors was amazing,” added Bakehouse.
