MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw may not be located at the North Pole, but the city does have a generous Christmas elf whose mission is to make the season merrier for senior residents each year with her Christmas Spirit for Seniors program.
Ashley Armstrong’s program is returning for its ninth year and residents can participate by visiting the Sahara Spa to pick up a wish list tag before the Sunday, Dec. 15 deadline.
“About nine years ago, I was at a place in my life where I was able to give back and wanted to do so within the community of Moose Jaw,” Armstrong said. “So, for Christmas, we’ve always tried to do something in remembrance of my brother, Craig Althouse, who had an absolute love for seniors.
“I remember going and visiting my great grandfather in the home back when I was little, and just remembering how many people were left in the hallway by themselves,” she said. “And so it all sort of tied in together.”
Armstrong reaches out to local senior homes and then spends a day or two with her mother preparing hand-written tags to drop off at the Sahara Spa. These tags are then added to the spa’s Christmas tree.
The public is then invited to drop by, grab a tag, and head out to purchase one or two of those items. Armstrong said that several items from the list — including “Warm Buddy” robes, lotions, and other skin care products — can be purchased right at the spa.
These gifts are then returned to the Sahara Spa, along with the tag, and Armstrong delivers them a few days before Christmas.
The Christmas-themed project started nine years ago when Armstrong canvassed the community and saw a need for it.
She first approached homes and said, “Hey, do you have any residents in care that don’t have families that come visit, or are left by themselves (and) maybe could benefit from a little pick-me-up at Christmas?” she explained. “It started that year with only eight (seniors) and then it just kind of grew from there.”
Armstrong noted that the pandemic unexpectedly boosted the program as it became the only safe way to deliver gifts during the holidays. “It really took off,” she recalled, adding that some residents now rely on the program to make Christmas gift-giving possible.
Ever since, the campaign continues to grow. This year’s tag count is 402, which is .
“We walk into these homes and you see the seniors, and they’ve lived their lives and are still so overjoyed by little things,” she said, adding that some of them only ask for a warm blanket and a pair of socks, or a Mars Bar and a can of Coke. “It really is just the little things and it brings them a lot of joy throughout the year.”
Armstrong thanked the community and expressed her deep gratitude to Kim Bowes and her team at Sahara Spa, her mother for her countless hours of help, and Kelly Martin for being a dedicated volunteer.
She thanked the U15 Warriors hockey team and their parents who have been enthusiastic supporters for the past two years. Originally assisting as the U13 Warriors, many of the same players have returned to volunteer and carol for seniors.
Lastly, she gave a special shout-out to her son, Brenton, who grew from being “dragged along to help” into an enthusiastic organizer and caroller.
If you know of a senior resident who would love to participate, you can bring them a little Christmas cheer by reaching out to Armstrong through a private message on her Facebook page, ‘.’
The Sahara Spa is located at 341 Stadacona Street East and can be reached at 306-692-1012.
After the Sunday, Dec. 15 gift submission deadline, Armstrong and her team of volunteers will assemble everything at the Sahara Spa and will distribute gifts on Monday, Dec. 23.
