8 Wing Trenton, Royal Canadian Legion members spread cheer for 30th year
From left, Maplewood resident Viola Southern, dietary employee Linda Jesseman, resident Harry Mitchell and resident Corina Dempsey enjoy the festivities during a Dec. 5 holiday event.
Maplewood enjoys Santa Claus visit, Christmas party
BRIGHTON, Ont. – With sweet treats, dancing, spirits and a visit from St. Nick, Maplewood officially decked the halls for the Christmas season.
For three decades now, special visitors have been spreading holiday cheer at Maplewood, marking the start of the festive season for residents and staff of the Brighton long-term care home.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Brighton branch and military personnel from Canadian Forces Base Trenton hosted their yearly Christmas party at Maplewood on Dec. 5.
The highly-anticipated event was a success for all involved.
“We come to make everybody’s day here at Maplewood,” Master Corporal Garett Pipe told The OMNIway.
“Their eyes lit up,” Garett says about the residents when they saw the men and women in uniform from 8 Wing Trenton.
For the Master Corporal, the occasion provided the opportunity to get involved in the community. There were eight members of a lodger unit of 8 Wing Trenton at the party.
Legion members David and Lois Wyndham have been helping with the Christmas party at Maplewood for about a dozen years.
“It’s so well-received,” David told The OMNIway.
The Legion brought Santa Claus to the affair and provided gifts for each of the home’s 49 residents. “It’s about giving back to the community.”
Lois said she always enjoys seeing the faces of the residents as “they’re just so happy to see everyone.”
Maplewood hosted the event in the home’s dining room with carols and a Christmas tree setting the scene for the festivities.
“It’s really the kick-off of our Christmas season,” said Rachel Corkery, administrator and life enrichment co-ordinator at Maplewood.
“Staff enjoy it too and pump up the excitement for the residents.”
The party occurs each year on the first Thursday in December.
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