Tag: gifts
A Simple Game Creating Special Moments
At GEF Bethany Senior Citizens Home, a new shuffleboard table is doing more than just adding a game to the space – it’s bringing people together. Thanks to generous donations to our Quality of Life Fund, a portion of funds was used to relocate the shuffleboard from another site to its current home at Bethany. Now tenants have a new way to connect, stay active, and enjoy time together.
Bethany’s recreation room had been quiet as of late, but this shuffleboard table is already changing that. Tenants are stopping by, some to play, some to watch, and many to simply enjoy a cup of coffee and chat.
“It’s the perfect activity to get everyone out of their rooms. Once others see us having fun, maybe more will come out to join us! I’m going to start organizing weekly get-togethers and shuffleboard tournaments with prizes.”
– Paul K., Tenant
More Than Just a Game
Shuffleboard is easy to pick up, which makes it inviting for everyone. Some tenants are reliving old memories, while others are trying it for the first time. Most importantly, it’s bringing them together for friendship and fun!
Game on! Paul K. teaches Janice B. how to play shuffleboard for the first time.
“I’m just learning how to play shuffleboard, and I love it! I used to only come down here to check the mail, but now that we have weekly coffee talks and this new shuffleboard, it’s great to meet up with everyone like this.”
– Janice B., Tenant
The space around the table has become a lively gathering spot, helping to bring vibrancy and energy into the community. Their weekly conversations over coffee, laughter, and friendly shuffleboard competitions have become simple, everyday moments that make the community feel more like home.
Your Support Makes This Possible
The shuffleboard table is just one example of how the Quality of Life Fund has made an impact in helping seniors thrive in their community. Donations fund life enriching opportunities, social activities, and additions that make a real difference.
“I’d love to see even more activities that get us all together. Things like picnics or more weekly games like crib, scrabble, UNO, and bingo. This is a good start.”
– Paul B., Tenant
Want to help create more special moments like this?
Donate to the Quality of Life Fund and bring more meaningful experiences to seniors across our communities.
Photos: Cindy Stewart (centre) from Old Navy drops off gift bag donations filled with holiday goodies for GEF housing clients.
The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection, and community. This year, thanks to a warm-hearted donation from Old Navy, we had the chance to bring some extra joy to seniors in our city as well as those living in our communities.
In November, Old Navy staff from across Edmonton worked together to assemble 310 holiday gift bags, each filled with something cozy, something fun, something tasty, and something useful. These thoughtful gifts aimed to brighten the days of our residents and housing applicants — and they truly did!
Housing Team Steps in as Santa’s Helpers
The first 100 gift bags were given to the Housing Team who quickly stepped into their holiday roles as Santa’s helpers. During housing interviews in December, staff surprised applicants with these gifts, offering some much-needed cheer during a challenging time.
With over 1,200 seniors currently on our waitlist for housing, and with our buildings at nearly full capacity, Old Navy’s gifts provided support and compassion to seniors waiting for a place to call home.
A Small Gift, A Big Impact
The reactions from applicants were heartwarming. Many shared how a simple gift turned their day around, bringing a bit of light and joy when they needed it most.
“One applicant was beyond grateful and thanked Old Navy and GEF staff for making his day better. He hadn’t smiled once during the interview UNTIL I gave him the package. Another applicant upon receiving the gift said, ‘I feel more optimistic now. There’s a light in my spirit. I know good things are coming.'”
~ Lisa Neill, GEF Housing Placement Coordinator
“My last interview yesterday was surprised by the gift bag. He was so thankful — like a kid opening presents!”
~ Shelley Anna Adia, GEF Housing Placement Coordinator
The remainder of the gift bags were delivered to thankful residents and tenants at various GEF communities over the holiday season.
Old Navy team delivers gift bags to happy residents and tenants.
Thank You, Old Navy!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Old Navy and to our dedicated GEF staff for helping make this holiday season brighter for our community. Your generosity through this campaign truly warmed hearts — along with heads, hands and toes!
Join Us in Spreading Cheer All Year Round
As we continue to support seniors in our communities, we invite you to be a part of spreading happiness and cheer throughout 2025. Click here to learn more about how you can help us make a difference.
Together, we can brighten someone’s day, warm their heart, and remind them of hopeful days ahead.