Our Impact
For seniors in nursing homes receiving our gifts creates a positive sense of community, while the same action can also provide a new opportunity for a social visit for seniors living in their own homes. Below are some acknowledgements that we have received and would like to share with you:
What they’ve said
Selected Senior Profiles
The seniors who are supported by Seniors Secret Service come from a variety of different backgrounds and live in different levels of housing, from fully independent living right up to 24 hour care facilities. Here are some of their stories.
Catherine
Catherine turned 107 years old on her last birthday. She currently lives in one of Calgary’s long term care facilities. Catherine had a husband and children but they have since passed away. Her only surviving grandchild is in his late sixties and is unable to visit Catherine due to his own declining health. Catherine is a proud Scottish lady who is still in charge of her own finances and legal decisions. Catherine loves to visit and talk about Scotland and days gone by. Catherine can often be found having tea with her friend Gladys who is 104, and also a recipient of our program. In 2023 there were 27 seniors over the age of 100!
Henry
Henry is 76 years old and due to declining health moved into a long term care facility. Henry is from the Maritimes and spent many years in the Navy. Henry moved to Calgary in the late 90’s to be closer to his son. After Henry moved into long term care, his son sold Henry’s house, took the proceeds and moved to Ontario. Henry loves anything to do with the navy and misses his friends in the Maritimes. He lives on his CPP and Navy pension but there isn’t much left after his housing charges are paid.
Willy
Willy is an 82 year old bachelor who still lives in his own apartment in a complex in the East Village. Willy has a fat, old cat that he loves dearly. Willy should likely be living in a more supported environment but he refuses to leave the cat he has had for 15 years. For Christmas last year Willy asked for some socks, a new pair of suspenders and cat food and toys. Willy receives most of his meals through the Meals on Wheels program and is always happy to see the volunteers. Due to challenges he has with mobility he spends most of his time in his apartment, with his cat, watching TV.
Ingrid
Ingrid is 69 and lives in her own apartment in a supported seniors housing complex. Ingrid loves to garden and spends most of the spring and summer in the community garden at the housing complex. During the winter months Ingrid loves to knit and crochet. Ingrid is a widow, who never had children. She loves to dance and to walk to the neighbourhood Tim Horton’s to coffee with her friends. She has recently learned how to work the computer in the common area and is often found researching ideas for what to plant in the garden or a pattern for a new knitting project.