The holiday season is always a special time at GEF, thanks to the incredible support of our community partners who help make it meaningful. For the third year in a row, we were fortunate to receive a heartwarming donation from Old Navy. Their continued generosity brought warmth and holiday cheer to GEF seniors and housing applicants this festive season.
Throughout November, staff from Old Navy stores across Edmonton assembled over 330 holiday gift bags for GEF. Each bag included cozy socks from Old Navy, along with something warm, something fun, something tasty, and something practical. These sweet and caring gifts brought real comfort during a busy and often stressful time of year.
A Special Surprise for Housing Applicants
Our Housing Placement Coordinators were excited to step into the role of Santa’s helpers once again, handing out holiday bags. During housing interviews in December and early January, housing applicants were surprised with one of these gifts.
“One applicant was delighted by the kind gesture and said, ‘I don’t celebrate the holidays, but I really appreciate this! This is my first time receiving a gift!'”
Shelley Anna Adia, GEF Housing Placement Coordinator
With more than 1,300 people currently on our housing waitlist, these gifts offered encouragement and a reminder of hopeful things to come amidst the stress of the holidays and housing challenges.
Spreading Smiles in Our Communities
The remainder of the gift bags were delivered by Old Navy staff to seniors at GEF Sakaw Terrace in December. The happy delivery day brought plenty of smiles, and residents were deeply touched by the lovely visit and holiday gifts.
Thank You, Old Navy!
We’re incredibly grateful to Old Navy and our dedicated GEF staff for helping make this season brighter for our community. Through their generous donations and volunteer efforts throughout the year, Old Navy and their Edmonton-area team have gone above and beyond. Their partnership has made a meaningful difference in the lives of GEF seniors and brought warmth to housing applicants waiting for a place to call home.
Join Us in Brightening the Lives of Seniors
Let’s make this new year shine even brighter for the nearly 4,000 seniors who live with us. Our Brighten the Lives of Seniors campaign runs until February 28, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Donations to our Quality of Life Fund bring joy, connection, and comfort to our communities. Your generosity lasts well beyond the holiday season, bringing happiness to residents and tenants all year long.
Donate today and help enrich the lives of seniors!