Gwen’s Christmas Magic brings joy to residents at St. Joseph’s Lifecare

There’s still time to donate and brighten up the holidays for all seniors living in long-term care

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,”

It takes a small village to help sort, assemble and deliver more than 200 gift bags to St. Joseph’s Lifecare – even some of Paris’ youngest residents are learning the value of giving, not receiving – all in memory of Gwen Ludwig.

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 as fundraising is already underway. They’ve reached a third of their $5,125 financial goal and are looking for supporters to help fund the project that certainly fills the Lifecare centre with warmth and love at Christmas.

The funds raised helps fill bags with an assortment of Christmas surprises - a toothbrush, toothpaste, a lap blanket, a small stuffed dog or cat animal for the residents to love (this is a favorite every year), warm nonslip socks, bodywash, a small batch natural ingredient lip balm, a Norman Rockwell wall calendar and a handmade ornament.

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