Joelle Persram watched with delight as seniors with advanced dementia got a twinkle in their eyes as they opened brown gift bags containing unique cards, messages, and a flowering plant, curated especially for them.
Persram, an activation aide at Extendicare Kawartha Lakes, said residents of the Kawartha Lakes long-term care home truly appreciated a recent holiday gesture by the Lindsay Garden Club.
The Lindsay Garden Club delivered its second annual “Flower Power” holiday initiative, which is an endeavour that brings hundreds of flowering plants and handmade Christmas cards to seniors living in long-term care homes in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The project celebrates the spirit of giving and aims to bring warmth and joy to residents who may not be able to spend the season with loved ones, said garden club member Jen Lopinski.
Extendicare Kawartha Lakes and Lakeland Village residents received more than 110 gift bags.
“It was fabulous,” Persram told kawarthaNOW. “They loved the plants, but they especially loved all of the homemade cards from the kids. The elderly love physical letters because that was a huge part of their life, (as was) gardening and taking care of plants.”
Persram said last year, when the home received its inaugural delivery, one of the residents nurtured the plant for several months and entered it into the Lindsay fair.
The packaging was “delightful” as well, she noted. The gift bags with tissue allowed residents to open the presents and take out their plants.
“What I loved … especially for the (residents) who have more advanced dementia, was their eyes would just light up because they were so excited to open a gift.”
Persram added the residents particularly enjoyed seeing the red, white, and pink blooms on the Kalanchoe plants.
“They love to garden, and they love having plants on their windowsills. I think it just makes them feel like they’re more at home — because it is their home.”
Earlier in December, Lindsay Garden Club volunteers packed and delivered more than 700 brightly coloured Kalanchoe plants, along with the Christmas cards created by area schoolchildren.
“We know that the holiday season can be a difficult time for many in long-term care, especially those who may not receive frequent visits,” said Lindsay Garden Club member Kim McGee in a media release.
“The Flower Power Christmas initiative is our way of letting these residents know they are not alone and that they’re remembered and cherished by their community.”
Students at area schools prepared the specially crafted cards to accompany each flowering plant.
Participating schools included Alexandra Public School, St. John Paul II Elementary School, St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary, School, Parkview Public School, King Albert Public School, Queen Victoria Public School, St. Dominic School Catholic Elementary School, and Heritage Christian School.
Kawartha Classic Flowers, sponsors, and volunteers helped make the initiative flourish, the garden club noted.
For more information about the Lindsay Garden Club, visit lindsaygardenclub.com.
