Bringing joy to those too often forgotten

Tashi Farmilo

With the holiday season fast approaching, Aylmer residents are being called to action through two community-driven initiatives designed to uplift those who need it most. Spearheaded by local market organiser Tanya Leclair, the Adopt a Senior and Angel Tree programmes are set to bring meaningful cheer to both seniors and children in the area.

The Adopt a Senior programme is the cornerstone of this year’s fourth annual Christmas Market at Chartwell’s Aylmer Monastery. Leclair created the initiative out of a desire to make her monthly markets more than just shopping events.

“I wanted this year’s market to mean something deeper,” said Leclair. “The holidays can be incredibly isolating for some of our elders, many of whom do not have family nearby or anyone to celebrate with. This is a way for the community to say, ‘You are not forgotten.’”

Participants can sign up to sponsor a senior and will be matched with a name, age, and simple wishlist. They are asked to purchase a gift, wrap it, and drop it off at the Christmas Market, taking place November 22 and 23 from 10 am - pm at 161 rue Principale.

Leclair’s commitment to community care does not stop there. She has also launched an Angel Tree project in partnership with the Centre communautaire Entre-Nous, focused on providing holiday gifts for local children from low-income families.

“So the idea of the Angel Tree is simple,” said Leclair. “People who come to our market will have the opportunity to pick an angel off the tree. Each angel represents a child in our community, listing their name, age, sex, and three of their interests.”

Gifts purchased for the Angel Tree can be dropped off at Centre communautaire Entre-Nous, 61 rue du Couvent, by December 9. They will be distributed at a special holiday dinner and party hosted for the children.

“This is about making sure no one in our community is left behind,” said Leclair. “Whether it is a senior who has not had a visitor in years or a child who might not otherwise get a gift, we have a chance to show up for one another. Times are tough, but that is exactly when community matters most.”

The Christmas Market will also feature over 40 local vendors, free entry, food, and a visit from Santa, making it a festive gathering point for giving and connection.

To sponsor a senior, residents can register online at https://forms.gle/LK5Vuged9EM8Hq349