SANTA TO A SENIOR
HALDIMAND-SIX NATIONS-NORFOLK
Helping Our Community One Person At A Time...
Mission Statement
Our primary focus is supporting seniors and others experiencing genuine need, including circumstances such as financial hardship, social isolation, loneliness or limited support.
Become a part of the magic by getting involved with Santa to a Senior this year!
Prefer to make a monetary contribution? Santa to a Senior also accepts monetary donations to help complete unfulfilled wish lists and support program-related costs. Donations are accepted year-round; funds received after a campaign closes will support future Santa to a Senior activities.
Santa to a Senior is an incorporated Ontario not-for-profit and is applying for registered charity status. We are not currently able to issue official charitable donation tax receipts.
SANTA TO A SENIOR AT A GLANCE
Santa to a Senior is a community-based initiative that connects community Santas with individuals who could benefit from additional support during the holiday season. While seniors remain our primary focus, we may also assist other individuals experiencing genuine need. Recipients may be experiencing financial hardship, social isolation, loneliness, limited family or community support, or other circumstances creating a genuine need for assistance.
What began in 2020 has grown into a community-supported program serving Haldimand County, Six Nations of the Grand River and, beginning with our 2026 expansion, Norfolk County. Through donors, volunteers, participating organizations and community partners, we work together to bring practical support, connection and holiday cheer to hundreds of recipients.
Recipients may be referred by participating facilities, community and social-service organizations, community paramedic programs, family or community members, or may self-refer. Selection considers circumstances such as financial hardship, social isolation, loneliness, limited family/community support, or other genuine need
Santa to a Senior celebrates the best parts of the holidays, GIVING, HELPING OTHERS, and WORKING TOGETHER.
WHAT WE DO
Santa to a Senior provides holiday gifts and support primarily to seniors living in long-term care, retirement and assisted-living settings, as well as seniors living independently. We may also assist other individuals experiencing genuine need when their circumstances are consistent with our program eligibility criteria.
Santa to a Senior is in the business of taking small acts of kindness and turning them into big moments of joy. We use the power of community to make maximum impact in as many lives as possible. We make sure our Santa's are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals to get involved in as many ways as they can. Whether it be buying a single gift for one person, being a financial donor, becoming a delivery driver, or even becoming a part of our team,
there is a spot for everyone!
PLANNING
An enormous amount of planning goes into each season behind the scenes. It is important that all things run smoothly to create the best experience for all involved!
COORDINATING
Coordination with our community care coordinators, facilities, and families is crucial to reaching the right people.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Connecting with our community through social media, news print, and radio helps us gain the maximum involvement and best outcomes for the recipients.
BUYING THE GIFTS
Each Santa receives a personalized wish list from their recipient. Wish-list items are as unique as the individuals we support and may include practical necessities, comfort items and modest personalized gifts
COLLECTING AND STORING THE GIFTS
The gifts are collected and dropped off during a specific week in December at our local Home Hardwares in Caledonia, Cayuga, Hagersville, and Dunnville where they are sorted and checked off the list.
DISTRIBUTING THE GIFTS
Perhaps the best part of the whole process is being able to see the smiles on the faces of staff and recipients when they realize just how important they are to our community.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others."
Booker T. Washington
