Birthday Cheer
Every year, the Birthday Cheer program successfully delivers thousands of gifts to participating care facilities and organizations.
We recognize how important social activities are for people of all ages: they spark conversation, build rapport, and encourage a sense of community. The seniors we cater to often do not have immediate family or friends around and are living alone or in homes. We are taking a stance and recognizing a need to spread unconditional support to these isolated seniors and show them they are loved, valued, and appreciated.
What’s the goal of this program?
The goal of the Birthday Cheer Program is to extend the spirit of giving year-round, in an effort to brighten the lives and improve the spirits of isolated senior citizens in Calgary. This is accomplished by providing birthday gift bags that contain various toiletry and sundry items. Each gift includes a handmade birthday card addressed to the senior. The gift bags are prepared at a monthly Birthday Cheer, where volunteers come together to assemble and package them for delivery to various sites. Volunteer drivers take the gifts to participating care facilities and senior organizations for delivery to the seniors on their birthdays.
Seniors who participate in the Birthday Cheer program are also identified to us by our partner agencies, although they are not necessarily the same seniors who receive gifts through the Christmas Cheer program. We have several groups that participate in the Birthday Cheer program, but do not participate in the Christmas program for cultural reasons. We have had to limit the number of participants in the Birthday Cheer Program due to our financial capacity.
So – how can you help?
You can help by purchasing any of the items that we use in the gift bags (see list below) or by making a monetary donation. On average, it costs $25 to purchase the items needed for one gift.
Each month, we need between 275 and 350 of these items. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated!
• Box of facial tissue
• 2-in-1 shampoo
• Deodorant (M or L)
• Body lotion
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Box of cookies
• Large print puzzle book
