LANGBANK - Rein Dela Pena wanted to spread Christmas love and joy to the long-term facilities in her area.
“The residents enjoy visitors and love to sing,” she said.
Rein came to Canada seven years ago with her parents Chris Morson and Regemma Dela Pena from the Philippines. She is an only child, but said she loves it and has lots of cousins to hang out with.
This 13-year-old young woman is in Grade 8, goes to the Kennedy-Langbank School and soon will attend the Kipling School.
Around the age of three, Rein would sing around the house, and by the time she was six years old she began to perform in front of an audience.
This began in the Philippines, singing at her school and at little miss pageants.
Her desire to sing has continued, taking online singing lessons from her voice coach.
Rein sang the national anthem at two Saskatchewan Roughrider games this past summer. It came as a surprise to the young singer when her dad informed her that the voice coach had set up the opportunity. She admits to being nerve just before she went out on the field, but once she started to sing, the nerves all went away.
Her mom, Regemma works at the long-term care facilities in Kipling and Wawota. Last year she suggested her daughter sing at the homes and offer some Christmas love. The elder Regemma said her daughter instantly agreed to do this and it is now the second year.
Rein already spread the joy in Moosomin on Nov. 30. This was the first year in Moosomin and according to the family, the residents enjoyed the performance.
This year a few businesses have backed her performances, by providing gifts and high-end bath products for the residents.
Rein will also sing at the Christmas dinner and concert at the St. Anne’s Parish in Kennedy, singing Christmas and Christian songs.
On Dec. 15, Rein will be at Carlyle long-term care home at 2 p.m., Dec. 16 she will be in Kipling at 2 p.m. and the following day she will be in Wawota at 2:30 p.m.
She will perform Christmas songs, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Marie Osmond and Paul Anka. “These artists are better known by the older people,” said Rein, but she enjoys the 90’s music as that is what her dad listens to.
For the fourth year in a row, she will be on Telemiracle in February. She is pretty excited to be doing this again in 2023.
Regemma feels strongly about spreading joy and love, not only at Christmas but always. Regemma believes that music and singing is a universal language that is understood by everyone.
“It is the best love we can give our old parents,” said Regemma.
She is immensely proud of her daughter for doing this. She finds it is such a joy to see the residents’ faces light up and sing along.
“It is inspiring to hear our daughter sing,” said Regemma.
They have been asked how people can help, and Regemma said: “They love visits and often do not have family close by. Most homes have a secret Santa program as well, when you buy a gift and or treats for one of the residents.”
Rein and her parents hope to fill the homes with singing and laugher.
