As the holidays draw near, MWCN has been busier than ever reaching out to community and making the upcoming Christmas holidays just a little brighter.
Visits to Seniors Residences
MWCN, the Elgin and District Pipes & Drums and the 1st Huntingdon Beavers collaborated in a community project that touched generations. MWCN was approached by bagpipe player and local Beaver leader, Shawn McNamee for a list of local residences to play Christmas bagpipe music. At this time, Shawn was also looking into ways his Beaver group could be more involved within their communities. Together, we came up with an idea for the Beavers (youth ages 5 & 6) along with help from their parents, to create Christmas Gnomes to be delivered to residences at the same time as the bagpipe music visits would take place. This idea meant being innovative as it was not possible to bring everyone together. MWCN Executive Director, Pauline Wiedow offered funds to create individual art kits to be lent out to families and with the guidance of local artist, Nadeanna Tannahill, instructions were done up and printed to go home with each package.
The Gnomes arrived at the Wellness Center upon completion and from there were transported to nine local senior residences on Friday, Dec. 11th along with the bag pipe music. Seniors were at their windows or doors opened, just a smidge, to better hear the beautiful sounds. It was a nice winter day which also brought some bundled up seniors outside to enjoy the carols. Following the music, each residence was given a Christmas Gnome to display at their center.
It was so nice to hear seniors singing, clapping, and moving along to the music. The smiles and “thank yous” were the best gift of all! We look forward to doing more intergenerational projects like this in the future.
Christmas without You
Unfortunately, there are many this year who will be celebrating the holidays missing a loved one. It is a difficult time for many. MWCN partner, Les Aidants Naturels du HSL, was able to offer a free session for people who need a little more support over the holidays. We are proud to be part of this initiative.
MWCN Christmas Gift Baskets
Each year we celebrate our members with a beautiful Christmas basket draw. This year’s winners were John Stirling from Godmanchester, Yvon Chicoine from Godmanchester and Dorothy Mays from Ormstown. Congratulations to the winners.
MWCN Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Corine Savage of Huntingdon for being chosen volunteer of the month. Each month names of our volunteers go in a basket to be drawn. Corine helped to decorate our Christmas tree and the center to bring some Christmas cheer to all who entered.
Christmas is all about giving
The Wellness Center has been collecting non-perishable food items and new or gently used toys to donate to our local La Bouffe Additionnelle (food Back). A monetary donation was also given by our Walk n’ Talk group for the Rudolph Run/Walk to help with Christmas baskets. Thanks to all the generosity of our community, someone’s Christmas will be a little bit happier.
MWCN was thrilled to donate gift bags consisting of handmade afghans and socks to the 9 seniors of Kay’s Residence in Huntingdon. Everyone was so happy to receive these special gifts. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this happen.
In order to respect the 7 day isolation period prior to the 24th , MWCN Wellness Center will be closed to the public as of Friday, Dec. 18th . We will be open in the new year starting Monday, January 4th . MERRY CHRISTMAS & ALL THE BEST FOR 2021. Stay safe and take care!
Kim Wilson
MWCN Chateauguay Valley
www.mwcn.ca
