Dozens of Christmas stockings were hand-delivered to seniors throughout Chilliwack this week thanks to two minor hockey teams.
The players volunteered to help distribute some of the 150-plus gifts on Tuesday, Dec. 21 as part of the annual Christmas Stocking Program put on by the Chilliwack and District Seniors’ Resources Society (CDSRS).
The program brings stockings filled with presents, goodies and a toque to low-income Chilliwack seniors. The stockings were filled thanks to donations from the community and local businesses, like Genica Developments.
They reached out to the CDSRS asking how they could help.
Some of the folks who work at Genica have kids who play hockey and the parents wanted to give the kids “an opportunity to understand what giving is about,” said Kelly Velonis, executive director with CDSRS.
On Dec. 21, the U11 A1 Bruins and U13 A3 Bruins with Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association personally brought about 45-50 stocking to the seniors.
One recipient was Nancy Allison. Her eyes were bright and her smile was wide when she saw half a dozen kids dressed in their finest.
“I’m so touched because I wasn’t going to have Christmas this year,” she said as a stocking was placed in her walker.
The remaining 100 stockings (80 with food hampers) were handed out on Dec. 22.
It wasn’t just Genica who helped fill the stockings. Some people knit items for the seniors, Central Elementary School made cards and donated gifts, and Royal LePage Wheeler Cheam Realty also donated.
Velonis called it a “huge community effort.”
“I really want you to think about the difference you’re making today in your community,” she said to the kids before they went out to deliver the stockings. “Thank you so much for making a difference and brightening someone’s Christmas.”
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