Operation gift giving
Thanks to donor generosity, the residents of Mount Hope experienced unexpected moments of joy over the holidays.
A little kindness goes a long way.
That was certainly true this past December for the people who make their home at St. Joseph’s Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care. Thanks to the kindness of strangers making gifts through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, the care teams at Mount Hope had the chance to surprise residents with special gifts to mark the holiday season.
The idea for “Operation Gift Giving” came from the care team’s own experiences spending time with residents as the holiday season approached. They recognized that the holidays aren’t a joyous time for everyone. For some, the season is marked by stress, uncertainty and sadness. There are quite a few Mount Hope residents facing challenges that make it difficult for them to take part in a typical celebration – like not having any caregivers or family nearby, complex health concerns and financial strain.
Moments of connection
To spread some much-needed cheer, the Mount Hope team used donor funds to put together gifts for 100 residents who they felt could really benefit from a boost. They planned, shopped and wrapped for hours, putting together gift bags that contained warm blankets, daily necessities, new clothing, books and games.
“Being a part of this initiative was a deeply fulfilling experience for me,” says Lindsay Wolf, Resident and Family Services Assistant at Mount Hope, who helped to lead this special project. “It’s more than just buying gifts. It’s about creating an authentic experience and providing moments for connection.”
They even had enough funds left over to purchase a special chocolate treat for each resident that was waiting for them on their dinner plate on New Year’s Eve.
Delivering the treats door-to-door brought joy and excitement to everyone involved in Operation Gift Giving. There were plenty of smiles, laughter and gratitude as residents received and opened their gifts. Wolf shares that these experiences were truly special for all the staff members, too.
The gift of giving back
This project is closely linked to the overall philosophy of care at Mount Hope: providing resident-centered care that focuses on enhancing independence, improving wellness and promoting social interaction for the people who live in this shared environment. By listening to residents, the care teams can focus on things that really matter – like the true value of receiving a meaningful gift, no matter the size. Wolf and her team are grateful to the donors for giving their kind donations that made this uplifting experience possible for the Mount Hope family.
“These thoughtful contributions have brightened so many residents’ holiday season and reminded them they are valued and cared for,” says Wolf.