As the festivities of the holiday season begin, Home Instead encourages Comox Valley residents to participate in the Be a Santa to a Senior program and share the joy by giving a gift to older adults in the community who may not have anyone to celebrate with.

鈥淭he holidays can be hard for many older adults, especially those who may not have a companion to share them with,鈥� said Tracie Robertson, owner of the Courtenay Home Instead office. 鈥淭hrough Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help these seniors experience the happiness and togetherness the season can bring.鈥�

The program co-ordinators of this year鈥檚 fourth edition hope to collect a total of 300 gifts for 300 local older adults.

To participate, shoppers can look for the tree on display at the Home Instead Courtenay office located at 130 B 19th St.

Ornaments featuring the name and desired gift of an older adult will be on display, and shoppers can buy the requested gift and return it wrapped, unwrapped, or in a gift bag to the location with the ornament attached.

Ornaments are now available until Dec. 13, 2023, and the gifts will be delivered to in time for the holidays.

鈥淕ifts aside, the true value comes in the connection Be a Santa to a Senior makes between the community and our older neighbours,鈥� said Robertson.

This year, the program has partnered with Comox Valley Seniors Society to assist with gift collection and distribution.

Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the no initiative has engaged more than 65,000 volunteers, provided more than 2.2 million gifts, and shared the holiday spirit with about 800,000 older adults across North America.

For more information visit or call (250)-338-0554.

To learn more about helping older adults in the Valley, visit