A Christmas to remember for hundreds of seniors

This December — and for the 34^th consecutive year — 400 seniors from VCH-funded residential care facilities in Vancouver attended very special Christmas lunches, generously donated and hosted by the Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina.

“The residents arrived by buses and were treated like royalty from the moment they arrived until they departed the hotel,” said Jan Russell, coordinator of volunteers. “The residents look forward to this event all year and it brings back memories of past Christmases.”

The turkey lunches with all the trimmings were magnificent and Santa popped in with Christmas greetings and chocolates for everyone. Local elementary school choirs sang Christmas carols while the seniors enjoyed their meals.  As the residents were leaving to board their buses, the Bayshore staff gave each one a home baked cookie to accompany their Merry Christmas wishes.

Christmas to Remember events are facilitated by Volunteer Resources – Vancouver Community and are supported by many dedicated volunteers.  These events are part of the Step Out program which   arranges bus outings throughout the year for seniors living in residential care.