Tag: holiday giving

The 2024 holiday season was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. Thanks to the kindness of individuals and businesses, we brought joy to 3,800 seniors across our 41 GEF communities. From festive events to thoughtful gifts, the generosity shown from our donors and volunteers made the holiday season even more special. Scroll through the slideshow of pictures below to look back on some of our favorite moments!

A Record-Breaking Year of Giving

Celebrated on December 3, 2024, this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign was a big success! Together, we raised over $20,000 for our Quality of Life Fund, surpassing last year’s total of $18,000. Every dollar raised helps us enrich the lives of seniors, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed. Visit our Donor and Volunteer Recognition page to see a list of our supporters.

Making the Holidays Bright

Thanks to our incredible community, we were able to:

• Provide 168 grocery gift cards as well as other gifts to be used as door prizes for seniors at holiday events and upcoming winter festivals across all of our sites.

• Give 285 seniors a magical evening on the Borealis Holiday Lights Tour, completely free of charge.

• Bring vibrant energy to the billiards room at Strathcona Place with a new 32” Smart TV.

• Direct over $2,000 in individual donations to specific GEF communities.

• Contribute $2,500 to the Compassion Fund for those clients most in need.

A Successful Year for Stocking Stuffers for Seniors

The generosity of London Drugs and Albertans made this year’s Stocking Stuffers for Seniors 2024 campaign the biggest one yet! Thanks to their support, a record 1,600 seniors in 20 GEF communities received holiday gifts. Their kindness made the season brighter for so many.

Deck the Halls: Volunteers Made the Season Shine

Nothing says the holidays like twinkling lights and festive decorations! This year, several volunteers gave their time to decorate our communities, adding warmth and cheer to our seniors’ homes.

A special thank you to the Old Navy store team in Edmonton, who not only helped decorate but also donated 310 cozy holiday gift bags for several seniors in our communities — as well as housing applicants waiting for a place to call home.

The Spirit of Giving Continues

The holidays may be over, but the spirit of giving continues all year long. Your support makes all the difference! Donate to our Quality of Life Fund and choose exactly where your gift will go. Together, we can continue to bring joy and connection to the seniors who call GEF their home.

Thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and volunteers for making 2024 so unforgettable. Here’s to another year of compassion, kindness, community, and giving!

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.