NewmarketToday continues its annual tradition of marking the giving season by celebrating Newmarket's Community Angels — the people whose kindness, compassion and community spirit help make our town one of the best to live in the country.
For the residents and staff at Amica Newmarket, giving back is twofold.
The seniors living centre partakes in a number of initiatives throughout the year, helping the community while also giving residents something to be a part of.
“It gives the residents a purpose, I would say that’s No. 1. And just like we said, to say a big thank you. All these initiatives do so much for not only our building and our community, but for our residents,” said Samantha Edhouse, life enrichment coordinator at Amica Newmarket.
Throughout the year, they organize a number of fundraisers and initiatives. They regularly collect food and money donations for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
Recently residents sewed and stuffed pillows that were donated to breast cancer patients at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
They also made cranberry sauce to give to workers at Southlake Regional Health Centre as a way to say thank you.
Edhouse said it’s important for the residents to feel passionate about the cause they’re supporting.
“That’s really important, that they really enjoy it,” she said.
So far, that approach has worked with a lot of residents getting involved.
“Anytime it’s an initiative when we’re giving back, we get a full house,” she said. “It shows that they see the value in it as well and they see the need and the desire to help.”
Amica Newmarket is also home to a rooftop beehive, where they collect honey that is sold to raise money for Helping Hands, one of their biggest causes.
Helping Hands is an Amica-wide initiative in which local residences are encouraged to fundraise and give back to their communities.
After raising money all year, this December they put together baskets that were distributed to local seniors in need.
Edhouse said she connects with local churches to help distribute them as they often know where the need is.
The residents helped assemble the baskets, which contain a blanket, a tote bag, fresh marmalade, toiletries, some treats and a $25 gift card to a local grocery store.
It’s a favourite activity for resident Ann Skillin, who is president of the resident council at Amica Newmarket.
“We end up thoroughly enjoying what we’re doing and knowing that it’s going to be a help is inspiring for us,” she said. “We feel as if we’re still able to provide something for people even at our ages and stages.”
She said it helps give some of the residents purpose.
“It makes us feel that we’re still worthwhile,” she said.
While Skillin is still able to drive and get out into the community herself, she said for many of the people, they aren’t able to do that. Participating in the various fundraising events and programs helps people to feel connected.
Edhouse agreed with that sentiment.
“We have a lot of residents who used to be really involved in the community and then they move here and they kind of lost that connection, so it’s nice to bring it back to them and let them be able to keep their connection,” she said.
Her team is already planning their next initiatives for the new year.
