Help make the season bright for low-income seniors

Don’t let vulnerable seniors feel forgotten this holiday season: Make an online donation or purchase a small gift and holiday meal through Senior Services Society’s annual Santa for Seniors fundraiser. With your generous support, seniors will receive a holiday meal, grocery gift cards, a small gift, and essential services during the holidays and throughout the year.

How to participate

Visit one of our retail partners between now and December 6 to purchase a small gift for a senior in need:

London Drugs at 555 West 6th Street in New Westminster

Dollar Store With More at 811 Carnarvon Street in New Westminster

Popular items include gift cards, chocolate, cookies, calendars, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, toiletries, tea, coffee, puzzles, books, and magazines. (Please avoid candles and homemade goods.)

Donations to our Temporary Housing Program are also appreciated. Our wish list there includes kitchen utensils (tongs, serving spoons, spatulas), chopping boards, coffee mugs, glasses, cereal bowls, dish soap, garbage bin/liners, dustpans, toilet brushes, toilet plungers, shower curtains, twin bed size comforters, and table lamps.

You can also select a gift(s) from our online options:

Holiday meal ($15)

Groceries and medicine bundle ($25 or $50)

Temporary Housing bundle ($100, $200, or $350)

All online donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

The need is great!

“Last year, Seniors Services Society provided gifts for many seniors,” said SSSBC CEO Alison Silgardo, “and the need for the comfort of a small gift or meal this year is just as great. Many of us think of our older population as being well off but the truth is that BC has the highest number of seniors living in poverty in Canada. We are so grateful to everyone who makes a donation. I know many people contribute annually and we appreciate your support very much. The difference you make is enormous.”

In addition to providing a gift to a senior who otherwise would not receive one, Santa for Seniors funds special seasonal meals for New West older adults. The campaign also enables SSSBC to create start-up kits for seniors moving into a home after experiencing homelessness or to stock up on necessary items for our Temporary Housing Program units.

Instore donation must be made by December 6 to ensure delivery in time for the holidays. Our seniors also receive a handmade holiday card created by community members.

Volunteer opportunities

If you are in a position to lend a hand and play one of Santa’s elves, we would love to hear from you. Volunteers pick up gifts donated from our participating retailers and deliver them to our grateful recipients. You can also get into the festive spirit by helping to bundle and wrap presents at the SSSBC office.

Please contact SSSBC’s Support Services Program Manager Paul Campbell at paul@sssbc.ca or 604-520-6621 for more information.