Christmas is often described as a season of joy, togetherness and generosity. Yet, for many older persons living in care settings, particularly those without family support, the festive season can be a time of quiet loneliness and unmet need.
It was with this awareness that Karen Griessel, the social worker at Rand Aid’s Thornhill Manor retirement village, initiated a Christmas outreach to Thembalami Care Centre, also run by Rand Aid.
The outreach was centred around a simple but powerful idea: A Wish Tree created to support Thembalami residents.
“A Christmas tree was placed in the reception area at Thornhill Manor. Each tag on the tree represented a resident from Thembalami Care Centre, including their name along with a small, meaningful wish idea for gifts. Our residents responded with heartfelt generosity. Many expressed how meaningful it felt to know exactly who they were buying for, transforming gift-giving into a personal act of kindness rather than an abstract donation,” says Karen.
“The Wish Tree also sparked conversations about gratitude, empathy and shared humanity, reinforcing the understanding that ageing is a journey we all share,” she adds.
To ensure that no resident was left out, part of the funds that Vicky Keenan, a Thornhill Manor resident and trained social worker, had raised throughout the year for her occupational therapy (OT) group was used to help subsidise some of the wishes. Vicky, who regularly gives her time to run the OT group and is actively involved in outreach initiatives within the wider Rand Aid community, contributed quietly but significantly to making the Wish Tree initiative inclusive.
“Vicky needs to be praised for her ongoing heartfelt approach in life to be kind, giving and caring,” says Karen.
She adds that the Christmas outreach was more than a charitable initiative; it was a reminder that dignity does not depend on circumstance, and that community care extends beyond the boundaries of one’s own village.
“As we reflect on this festive season, we are deeply grateful to the Thornhill Manor residents who opened their hearts, and to Thembalami residents who reminded us that being seen, remembered and valued is one of the greatest gifts of all.”
