Burnbrae residents awake to find a richly decorated Christmas tree, thanks to some community kindness

When the home tried to hire local tree decorator Rachel Rutherford, she offered her services for free

When the residents of Burnbrae Gardens went to bed on the evening of Nov. 17, the Christmas tree in the Campbellford long-term care home’s lounge was bare. When they awoke the next morning, they were overjoyed to find the tree lavishly adorned with festive decorations.

This was thanks to a kind gesture by renowned local Christmas-tree decorator and hairdresser Rachel Rutherford, who also happens to be the mother of Paige Rutherford, one of Burnbrae Gardens’ dietary aides.

Rachel has a side business decorating Christmas trees. In fact, she even decorated Christmas trees this year for the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in Toronto.

Recently, while visiting her salon in nearby Havelock, Burnbrae Gardens administrator and life enrichment co-ordinator April Faux asked Rachel if she could hire her to work her magic with the home’s Christmas tree. Rachel kindly offered to do it for free.

“She even offered to donate all the decorations,” April tells The OMNIway.

Rachel arrived at Burnbrae Gardens last Thursday evening, just as her daughter was finishing her shift. Together, Rachel and Paige elaborately decorated the tree April had set up beforehand.

This helped create the perfect surprise for residents the next morning, April says, adding everyone at the home is grateful for Rachel’s kind gesture.

“There have been lots of comments between residents and staff about how beautiful the tree is,” April says.

“They went to bed when the tree was bare, but they woke up this morning to a bright, beautiful tree. The tree got lots of great comments from both the staff and the residents.”

If you have a story you would like to share with The OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.

If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.