Despite the extreme cold temperatures outdoors, we find ourselves still glowing from the outpouring of generosity that wrapped our seniors in a warm embrace last month. It’s incredible how a community coming together for one day can create ripples of happiness to carry us into the new year on waves of hope. Click on the image below to experience the joy felt across GEF this holiday season thanks to your support of our 2nd annual Giving Tuesday campaign.
Setting Goals, Surpassing Expectations
Together with our corporate partners and individuals in the community, we raised an incredible $18,050.00 on Giving Tuesday (November 28, 2023), surpassing last year’s total of $10,000.00. A special shoutout to Nakamun Group as well as Acoustical and Total Cleaning Services, whose contributions will help enrich the lives of nearly 4,000 seniors who call our buildings home in the year ahead. Visit our Corporate Giving page to see the full list of our 2023 corporate donors.
Gifts to Nourish Body and Soul
A portion of the funds raised on Giving Tuesday went towards providing grocery gift cards to help our seniors with the rising cost of living. Over 100 seniors received gift cards as door prizes at their community holiday parties. Dozens of others delighted in the joy of winning thoughtfully chosen gift baskets, also provided by the companies who help us provide services to residents, tenants, and staff. An additional 250 seniors could go on free bus outings to the Borealis Lights Tour.
Families Fulfill Communities’ Wish Lists
We also received donations from individuals who support our mission to help seniors live with dignity and thrive in their communities. A generous donation from a family member combined with a discount from The Brick made the dream of a big-screen TV a reality for tenants of Ottewell Manor. Now the whole community can come together for movie nights and watch parties.
Volunteers Deck the Halls and Spread Joy
A special shoutout to the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time to infuse holiday spirit into our communities. Your contributions, from decking the halls to delivering gifts, created unforgettable moments and fostered connections that are integral to building the vibrant, affordable communities for seniors we envision.
Special thanks to The Gap/Old Navy store employees in Edmonton, and the countless individuals in the community who purchased gifts for our seniors through the London Drugs Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign. Through the combined efforts of multiple corporate partners and a little help from Santa, we surprised 1,350 seniors across 27 communities with gifts from the heart.
Continuing the Journey of Giving
Our journey does not end here. As we wrap up this chapter of giving, we invite you to join us in carrying the magic of the holidays forward into the year ahead. Visit our website to donate to our Quality of Life Fund. You can direct your contributions to a community of your choice, ensuring that your generosity touches lives exactly where you wish. Together, we’ll continue to spark joy, one act of kindness at a time.