Christmas giving at Villa Maria

For some residents in aged care facilities, feelings of isolation and loneliness can be particularly heightened around Christmas time.

Across 60 programs in 42 locations – from Christmas lunches with all the trimmings for residents and their relatives at Villa Maria’s facilities, to Carols by Candlelight at St Paul’s College for young students with disabilities and their families – the spirit of giving is evident.

Not-for-profit aged and disability service provider, Villa Maria, continues to create life-enhancing opportunities for older people and children and adults with a disability and their families.

Often it’s the smallest of gestures that mean the most to people around Christmas.

Villa Maria residential services social worker, Edda Tandrigde, recalled a special moment last year, when a Scottish resident at Villa O’Neill was given a picture book on Scotland for Christmas by staff.

“He was absolutely delighted, so happy in fact that he started crying. It was very emotional for him. A staff member used to sit and read to him, as he couldn’t read anymore, and they’d go through the book so that he could reminisce about old times.”

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people who are financially and socially disadvantaged.

Each year, Villa Maria provides festive Christmas Hampers to more than 350 of the people it supports through its aged, disability and education services across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Generous individuals and organisations contribute via donations of goods or money to help fill the hampers, which help to ease the financial burden felt by some families and enable them to better enjoy their Christmas Day.

Glenn Fear, who receives one-on-one support and case management from Villa Maria’s disability services, said receiving a hamper last year was “fantastic”.

“There were some great things in them. The ham was really good because I can’t afford to buy ham very often so that was a nice treat.”

Without the support, the 51-year-old father of two said it could have been a “pretty depressing” Christmas.

“It saved me some money so I could buy some presents. Getting the hamper makes you feel a bit better and it’s great because you don’t have to spend all your money on food. They’re a welcome gift: a great relief and a great help.”

There are also other special opportunities around the festive season to purchase gifts for loved ones or friends, while supporting Villa Maria’s programs.

All proceeds from the $20 sale of Villa Maria’s 2011 art calendars, showcasing the artistic talents and abilities of the Villa Maria community, or packs of Christmas cards from $6, go directly to supporting Villa Maria’s art therapy programs and assisting staff to help people live with dignity, respect and independence.

To help, donate or purchase merchandise online at www.villamaria.com.au or call 1800 036 377.