It is almost Christmas and the kitchen at the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) has seen many turkey dinners served, shared and enjoyed in the past two weeks.
The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students from Prince Charles Secondary School returned for the 14th year to present a full turkey dinner to our seniors. Several of the students were back for their second time and all said that this is one of their favorite activities, and it certainly is a favorite of the seniors. The young people and their adult helpers cook and serve the meal, wash all the dishes and provide the entertainment. The presence of the young people and the chance to speak with them makes the seniors feel young again. Stories are shared about Christmases past. Thank you to the students and the adults who gave us a great evening.
The Creston Valley Rotary Club served their special Christmas pudding at our turkey dinners this past week. These gentlemen share their energy and companionship with the seniors, real gifts. Thank you.
It is not possible to thank everyone who contributes to the happiness of the TAPS seniors but this column gives me the opportunity to mention a few of the very special things very special people do. TAPS gives back to the community by supplying the decorations for the Meals on Wheels program. The ideas, supplies and work are given by Colleen Kinard, one of our Krafty Kronys. Colleen also makes up all of the grab bags that are sold at TAPS with articles she purchases and donates. She loves these jobs and it shows — she loves to share.
Another person who gives and gives to us is Sharon Wesolowski. She volunteers weekly but really gets involved at special times like Christmas. She co-ordinates the making of Christmas crackers for our celebrations, and this year hosted a hot chocolate and carol sing after the evening light tour. Activities like these, with all the special effort of volunteers and staff, make Christmas a happy time for so many who just would not have these opportunities.
Not all of the volunteering that supports TAPS takes place at the TAPS site; a great deal of work is done in homes and TAPS receives the benefits. The Krafty Kronys do their crafts and creations at home and in a workshop at a member’s home. Their skills and accomplishments have supported TAPS financially for many years. Another group that supports TAPS with their abilities to knit and crochet are the Crest View Village Ladies Auxiliary. This group of 11 women, all of them very advanced in years, knitted and crocheted for a total of 3,838 hours to produce scarves, mitts, throws, lap blankets and toys that were given to Cranbook’s Telus ambassadors. These products go to hospitals for chemo and dialysis patients, newborn babies, seniors care centres and wherever else the ambassadors know they are needed. This is the second year the partnership between Telus ambassadors, TAPS and the Crest View Village Ladies Auxiliary has make a huge contribution to the community.
The gifts that everyone gives of time, energy, love and support are the true gifts of Christmas. We at TAPS are fortunate to be part of a community that lives the values of Christmas all year long. Thank you and merry Christmas from TAPS.
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.
