For the second year in a row, Katie Gilligan is blown away by the “outpouring of support” from the Newmarket community in donating to the Be a Santa to a Senior campaign.
The owner of Timeless Harmony Salon & Spa on Gorham Street, along with husband Mike Vasiliou and an army of local donors, last year made it possible for all 70 residents of Eagle Terrace Long-term Care Home to open a gift on Christmas morning.
They are clearly on track again to deliver car loads of holiday bags filled with the wishes of seniors who live at the local home, which include socks, comfy slippers, undershirts, crossword puzzles, unscented lotion and large-print novels.
Many people went over and above purchasing the necessities last year and threw in extra gifts such as blankets, personalized Christmas cards and other notes.
“We started mid-November and the outpouring of support from our community has been amazing,” Gilligan said. “With December fast approaching, we only have eight names left on our tree.”
“We are honoured and so blessed that so many people have jumped on board. We envision being able to continue and expand our efforts in the future,” she added.
Gilligan noted many seniors at the long-term care facility have nobody to visit with them at Christmas. Her own father lived in a long-term care residence before he passed and, since then, seniors who live in nursing homes are near to her heart.
“It’s just another day and that breaks my heart,” she told NewmarketToday in a previous interview.
You are invited to visit the salon and spa and take a name off the Christmas tree to brighten the holidays for an Eagle Terrace resident.
Timeless Harmony Salon and Spa is at 1091 Gorham St., Unit 107, in Newmarket. For more information, visit here.
