‘Chilliwack is a truly caring community’

Santa Claus came early to at least one Chilliwack care home this year.

Bags of gifts for the residents at Crystal Ridge Manor filled their doorstep this week.

It’s all part of Stocking Stuffers for Seniors, a giving program started by London Drugs in 2015 to help bring more holiday cheer to seniors.

The generosity came as a complete surprise to Margaret Kostrzewa, general manager of Crystal Ridge. She had heard about the program and was going to call London Drugs when she got to her office one day to inquire about getting Crystal Ridge added to the list.

“It must be fate because I received a call and it was Lillian Fast on the phone from London Drugs. She asked if we would like to be on the list,” Kostrzewa said.

She said yes and on Thursday (Dec. 10) the gifts arrived.

“I was so overwhelmed it brought me to tears,” Kostrzewa said.

Inside the bags were blankets, socks, chocolates, books, crossword puzzles, soap, slippers and many other things, all for the residents.

RELATED: Custom care packages coming to make Christmas brighter for hundreds of Chilliwack seniors

For the past six Christmases, the B.C.-based store which has 82 locations across Western Canada, has been partnering with local care homes and charities.

Each London Drugs store has a Christmas tree filled with gift tags. Each tag contains a wish list from a local senior, or a general wish list from a local care home or charitable organization.

Starting in the middle of November, folks were welcome to grab a gift tag and shop for the senior, care home or charity that was written on it.

At Crystal Ridge, every resident received a gift as part of Stocking Stuffers for Seniors.

“Such kindness and what joy it will bring to my residents. I can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces,” Kostrzewa said Thursday morning.

“The residents and staff of Crystal Ridge Manor would like to thank London Drugs for their kindness and thoughtfulness at this time of year. Chilliwack is a truly caring community and we thank each and every one of you that made this possible.”