Stockings 4 Seniors fundraising for the most vulnerable this Christmas

An Ardmore resident is continuing a Christmas donation drive for our most vulnerable this coming holiday season.

Sandi Evans has been running Stockings 4 Seniors since 2017, a program to remember those who often get forgotten about during the holiday season, seniors living in care.

While this year there will be no physical gifts for the elderly, Evans said they’ve started a fundraiser for Cold Lake and Bonnyville seniors facilities.

More than most, this year Evans wanted to continue her program, with the isolation many seniors have been feeling since March.

“We’re bringing Christmas joy 2020 COVID style,” she said.

“I had talked to a couple of the facility managers, and they were really excited because–they were locked down from March to July. And they were able to start moving around within the facilities and in the community and doing things communally, so like puzzles, games, and that sort of thing.

“Well, some of the facilities as of last week, were locked down again.”

The money raised will be split evenly between the six facilities, said Evans, and the recreational managers will be entrusted to find the best way to use it for the current and future residents.

In partnership with the Age Friendly Cold Lake Society, they’ve set up a GoFundMe page as their way of raising money this year.

So far, they’ve raised a little over $1200 with a goal right now of $6000.

“I really was apprehensive even to put a goal,” said Evans.

“I know that it’s going to be a tight Christmas. That’s why I want people to know that it doesn’t have to be huge. One dollar–that works. I don’t even know if there’s a minimum donation on GoFundMe to be honest. But the point being is, any little bit counts.”

Overdrive Heavy Duty Services reached out to Evans she said and will match donations up to $1000 for this year’s virtual stockings drive. She said she’ll be trying to put out a fun corporate challenge to businesses to get involved as well.

Donations will be gratefully accepted until December 15.

“I want everyone to know, especially this year, the seniors yes, but everybody–thank you for being you and all that you do, because you all matter.”