Making spirits bright

Photo: Contributed

NexusBC and the Vernon RCMP have teamed up to make Christmas a little more merry for some local seniors.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are Making Spirits Bright this Yule Tide season.

“The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are looking to make the spirits of local seniors brighter this holiday season, by donating to the Making Spirits Bright campaign run by Nexus BC Senior Services. RCMP and municipal staff contributed to the program by sponsoring five Vernon seniors who were identified by Nexus BC,” said Const. Kelly Brett.

The Making Spirits Bright Campaign was created in 2006 to spread some joy to seniors living in poverty and isolation.

Vernon’s Nexus BC branch posts personal stories and Christmas wish lists of local seniors that may experience loneliness during the holiday season. Community members can then read the stories and chose a senior who they wish to pledge.

“The majority of what seniors have been wishing for are basic things such as gift cards for groceries, winter jackets and warm articles of clothing, including shoes,” said Alison Campeau of the Nexus BC Community Resource Centre. “We have started to give the seniors their gifts this week and it has been so heartwarming to see their reactions.”

Each senior will receive two large gift bags from the RCMP that included wish list items as well as basic food and necessities. 

The Vernon RCMP give to a variety of charities each Christmas.

The Nexus BC Community Resource Centre sees more than 20 different seniors through their doors each day during the holiday and non-holiday season.

There are many other campaigns run by Nexus BC that residents can become involved in.

More information on these campaigns can be found online or by calling 250-545-0585.