The seniors at Lynnwood Retirement Residence had a blast making Christmas dreams come true for one Chilliwack family.
It’s the second year in a row the Lynnwood has participated in the Adopt-A-Family program by Salvation Army Chilliwack, says Lynnwood spokesperson Marie Lashley.
“It’s such a great way to support local families. There are always so many in need,” she says. “It’s also a lot of fun.”
Lashley has long been a fan of the good works done by Sally Ann, and through Adopt-A-Family they opted to sponsor a family of four in Chilliwack, with two children and both parents on disability.
To prepare, the residents chipped in cash donations from fundraisers and a bin was put out in the lobby throughout the year to collect foodstuffs to fill their sponsored family’s Christmas hamper.
“We were able to raise enough money to buy a mountain bike for each of the two little girls, as well as some pretty hair accessories and leisure centre passes.”
The mom and dad will also get a gift card from Walmart to buy each other a little something.
Sally Ann provides every Adopt-A-Family sponsor with a family profile including kids’ ages, some gift ideas, and a list of food items. The sponsors are then responsible for purchasing the food and gifts, making a $25 donation for the turkey voucher, and transporting all the items to the Salvation Army Church the week before Christmas.
The sponsored family doesn’t know what’s in store for them. All the recipients have been screened to make sure there are no repeats.
“The families don’t know that they have been chosen,” she said.
“They think they’re just coming in to pick up some food.”
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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