Help spread some Christmas Magic at St. Joseph’s Lifecare this holiday season

Local giving campaign spearheaded by Paris woman in memory of her mom

By Casandra Turnbull

All it takes is a little Christmas magic to brighten the holidays for seniors living at St. Joseph’s Lifecare in Brantford and a Paris woman sets out to accomplish this goal each December As the holidays fast approach, Dawn Sangster is very busy raising money for Gwen’s Christmas Magic for Seniors, in loving memory of her mother Gwen Ludwig who taught her the true meaning of Christmas – the gift of giving. The campaign raises enough funds to surprise every long-term care resident at St. Joseph’s Lifecare with a Christmas gift bag.

The idea was developed when Sangster’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and was admitted to St Joseph’s in Brantford “She (Gwen) would give to the Christmas Hampers each year and taught us how it is more important to give than to receive, so I thought what better way to keep her memory alive than by making people happy,” Sangster explained.

When St. Joseph’s is at full capacity it takes 205 gift bags to ensure everyone is included- and that’s the goal this year with fundraising is already underway. As of December 2nd , the Christmas Magic for Seniors 2024 Campaign continued to collect momentum, achieving 40% of the $5,125 financial goal With the final stretch of collections and preparations in the final weeks, the campaign is looking for supporters to help fulfill the goal to ensure residents at the Lifecare centre experience warmth and love this Christmas.

A St. Joseph’s Lifecare resident holds her gift bag donated during the 2023 campaign. Each year local residents, businesses and students come together to spread holiday joy in memory of former resident Gwen Ludwig.