This winter, we launched our first Brighten the Lives of Seniors Campaign. Inspired by the new light display at GEF Central Services and McQueen Place Lodge, the vibrant lights reflected the warmth, joy, and connection that community support and donations bring to seniors who call GEF home.
📹 Watch highlights from our community light-up launch event here!
Your Support Made the Season Shine
From December through the end of February, we saw that support come to life across our communities. Seniors across our 43 GEF communities enjoyed a bright holiday season thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses. With help from the campaign, we were able to:
- Provide 109 grocery gift cards as door prizes for events
- Send approximately 270 seniors on 17 Holiday Light Tours
- Host 54 festive events that brought people together
- Add a new 32” smart TV to the common room at GEF Ritchie Pioneer Place
A Bright First Year
With a goal of $35,000, we raised $32,322 in this new initiative. This builds on last year’s $20,000 raised and shows what can happen when people come together. Support came in many ways this year. From donations and gifts to participation in our additional Brighten the Board fundraiser, people found meaningful ways to enrich the lives of seniors. Each donation to the Quality of Life Fund, helps support programs, experiences, and community enhancements that make a difference in our seniors’ everyday lives.
See the full list of donors and volunteers who helped make this possible.
Stocking Stuffers Success
Another highlight from the campaign was the return of the London Drugs Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program. With support from London Drugs, everyone who fulfilled a senior’s wish list, and the volunteers and staff who helped deliver the gifts, we reached more seniors than ever. A record 2,525 seniors across all of our communities received a present this holiday season.
📹 Watch some of the heartwarming moments from delivery day here!
Volunteers Made the Season Glow
So many wonderful volunteers also donated their time and creativity to decorate our communities during the giving season. The trees, lights, and decorations made our spaces feel welcoming, festive, and full of holiday spirit!
A special thank you to the Old Navy team in Edmonton. They helped decorate and donated over 330 gift bags for seniors in our communities, as well as for local seniors still waiting for a place to call home. This thoughtful gesture brought comfort and care during a busy, and often stressful, time of year.
Keep the Light Going!
While our Brighten the Lives of Seniors Campaign has wrapped up, its impact continues. Ongoing community support helps create more opportunities for GEF seniors to stay active, engaged, and connected across our communities.
Keep the bright moments going – DONATE to our Quality of Life Fund today!
Thank you again to everyone who made the season sparkle for seniors by contributing to our new campaign. We look forward to lighting things up again this November. Together we are creating meaningful moments that last well beyond the season.