Sharing holiday cheer: Smiles for seniors

December 12, 2024 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 3:00

Bringing holiday magic to perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre

On December 10, 2024, we had the incredible privilege of visiting the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre to bring holiday magic through the Smiles for Seniors initiative. With a team of volunteers from the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG), the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), and the Directorate of Honours & Recognition (DH&R), we came together to spread joy and connection during this special time of year.

Thoughtful gifts and appreciation

This year, we delivered thoughtful gifts and Christmas bags to around 50 residents, along with duffle bags filled with various items needed by seniors for all 12 nurses’ stations, to show our appreciation for everyone at the Perley. Every single gift was prepared with care and love, and it felt amazing to see how much it meant to everyone. The gratitude from the staff and the smiles from the residents were the real highlights of the day.

Generous contributions and community support

A total of $1,700 was contributed by employees from CAF TG, CFMWS and DH&R to procure gifts for residents. This was further supplemented by additional individually wrapped gifts from employees. Several local businesses and organizations also stepped forward to support the cause. Bona offered free parking for volunteers on the preparation day. Op Santa from CFMWS contributed duffle bags, snacks, and Christmas cards and letters prepared by kids. The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, home of the RedBlacks, 67’s, BlackJacks, and Atletico, donated clothing. Good Soldier Films provided candies, chips, socks, toothpaste, and scarves to fill their 50 homemade Christmas bags for the residents, as well as DVDs about a Canadian war hero named “Jack Munro”. Again this year, Giant Tiger provided a 15% discount on remaining items and gifts. Finally, students from l’École primaire Massé in Gatineau, QC, created 100 Christmas cards featuring drawings and best wishes for the seniors.

Honouring a treasured tradition

Since 2000, Smiles for Seniors has been a tradition treasured among military personnel and Department of National Defence employees in the National Capital Region. Inspired by the late Major Darren Steele, who believed small gestures could make a meaningful impact, this initiative carries on his legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making people feel valued, especially during the holidays.

Heartwarming connections and holiday spirit

The visit was truly heartwarming as we shared stories, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer with the residents, creating unforgettable memories together. Hearing their experiences and seeing their joy was a gift for all of us involved. Leo, a 90-year-old veteran who also worked in mines north of Ontario, was amazed by so much generosity and was sincerely moved when he read the kids’ kind wishes inside the hand-crafted cards. The warmth and connection in those moments captured the true spirit of the season.

A beautiful reminder of the holiday spirit

This initiative is a beautiful reminder of what the holidays are all about – coming together, sharing kindness, and making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Smiles for Seniors so special. Here’s to continuing this wonderful tradition and spreading even more joy next year.

Happy Holidays!

Written by: Ashley Boisvert, Communications Officer at CAF TG