Sparking joy during this grey time of the year can be as simple as adding a touch of colour — and sometimes, it’s the simplest gifts that go the furthest in brightening someone day’s.
That is the idea behind Flowers for Seniors, an initiative of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society to bring some warmth to NOTL’s long-term care homes.
It’s something the group does twice a year, in the spring (when flowers begin blooming) and in December for the holidays.
“There are a lot of people (at the homes) that do not get any visitors at all,” said Susan Dodd, a society member and organizer of the Dec. 7 event. “It’s just a little bit of reaching out from the community.”
In total, 224 potted poinsettias in pink, red and yellow were distributed to residents at three homes – Chartwell Niagara, Upper Canada Lodge and Radiant Care Pleasant Manor.
Dodd has been involved for the past five and was on hand at Van Noort Flower Studio to ready the plants for the next home with a group of volunteers.
One of those volunteers, Ingrid Regier, said the residents look forward to delivery day.
“They look forward to it and say things like, ‘Have the plants come? Have the plants come? When are they coming?'”
Pleasant Manor resident Connie Rudzitis was thrilled when Regier dropped by with her plant.
“They’re beautiful,” she said.
Chelsea Bilton, therapeutic recreation supervisor at Pleasant Manor, said the society’s efforts are appreciated by the residents and staff alike.
“It’s always great to receive them. Residents love them,” she said. “It puts a smile on their face.”
To Regier, that means everything.
“For us, it’s the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve put a smile on their face because of us.”
