The holiday season is all about connection, but for many seniors in our community, it can be an incredibly lonely time. That is where the amazing team at Seniors Secret Service steps in! Since 1985, this incredible local charity has been on a mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals 60 years or older who are alone or isolated. Whether they have outlived their friends and family or simply do not have a support network nearby, Seniors Secret Service ensures that Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens are never forgotten.
Working with over 185 partner agencies across Calgary and Southern Alberta, they identify seniors who truly need a little extra love during the holidays and on their birthdays. Thanks to a passionate community of anonymous donors and volunteers, these seniors receive personalized gifts filled with items that are both useful and emotionally uplifting. It is a powerful, heartwarming way to bring pure joy to those who need it most, proving that a little secret service can make a massive difference in someone’s life!
1.
Get your friends, family and co-workers together and register for Seniors Secret Service, here: https://sssadmin.seniorssecretservice.com/view/registration.html
You can indicate how many seniors you would like to adopt this holiday season.
2.
Seniors Secret Service will send you the profile for as many seniors as you adopt.
The profile will give you a bit of information about the senior, including their name, age and information regarding any allergies or limitations as well as a section outlining some gift ideas. Some care providers can provide more detailed profiles than others, it is possible you may need to be creative in your gift purchasing.
3.
Visit your local London Drugs Store and collect your Seniors Secret Service Gift Box.
One box per senior maximum. The dimensions of the box are 16” x 12” x 12” which is just a bit bigger than a file/banker’s box. Care providers have been advised of the box size and will be submitting gift suggestions that are appropriate. Each box will have space on the outside to write the seniors name, id number and site id.
4.
Complete your shopping & wrapping by the end of November.
5.
Drop off your Seniors Secret Service Gift Box on November 27th, 28th or 29th at one of the local drop points.
Participating Calgary London Drugs Stores
Visit: www.londondrugs.com/locations/ for store hours
Glitch Gaming Lounge:
127 Kingsview Rd SE Unit #203 Airdrie
Hours;
Wed/Thurs: 3pm – 10pm
Friday: 3pm – 1am
Saturday: 11am – 1am
Sunday: Noon – 8pm
Calgary Police Stations;
- District 1: 1010 26 Avenue S.E.
- District 2: 4506 17 Avenue S.W.
- District 4: 3207 12 Ave NE
- District 8: 450 Midpark Way S.E.
Seniors Secret Service estimates that people spend between $125 and $175 per senior depending on the needs of the senior. If you have a higher budget per senior, please indicate that on your registration so they can match you accordingly. Some seniors have higher cost items on their list such as winter jackets, boots, special adaptive clothing needs or other items that may be higher cost.
Seniors Secret Service will provide you with profile(s) for your senior that gives you some ideas of things they would enjoy receiving. This list is a suggestion, you do not have to purchase everything on the list, and you are free to add other items you think your senior would enjoy.
Not unless you adopt more than 15 seniors. Gifts must be dropped off in CALGARY on Nov 27th,28th and 29th at one of the police stations that are designated drop points. You can also drop off at the Christmas warehouse no later than Dec 6th. Full addresses and instructions for these will be provided with your profiles but there are locations in each quadrant of the city.
That is great! We can always use extra items to make up last minute requests.
Santa’s Wish List:
Personal Care Items
• All types of toiletry items for men and women – High demand items!
• Toiletry gift sets – High-demand items!
Clothing
• Nighties for ladies – a variety of lengths
• Pj pants and 2-piece pj sets – men and ladies
• Button-up casual blouses for ladies or button-up casual shirts for men
• T-shirts of all sizes for men and women – short or long-sleeve
• Sweaters of all sizes for men or ladies, cardigan or pull-on
• Various sizes of men’s and ladies underwear.
• Bathrobes – all sizes
• Pull-on pants for men and women – all sizes. HIGH demand item!
Household Items
• Small household/kitchen gadgets and linens
• Sheet sets of various sizes from twin to queen
• Fuzzy Blankets – please remember these are going into a small box.
• Go cups with no-spill lid
• Calendars, colouring books/ markers
• Notebooks/ journals.
• Sport magazines
Food and Games
• Treats: boxes of chocolates, candy, cookies, etc.
• Diabetic treats/gluten-free treats – High demand item!
• Herbal Tea/ Individual instant coffee serving gift sets
• Large print puzzle books
• Jigsaw puzzles – Under 500 pieces are best
Other
• New handmade items are also appreciated for those who are crafty or knit
• Transit tickets – High demand item!
• Small Christmas ornaments
• Treats/toys for dogs and cats
• Small and easy-to-operate CD players and DVD players
• DVDs – Comedy and Western seem to be popular choices
• Music CDs
• Gift cards for Walmart, these are handy to have in case we need to purchase clothing
• Tim Horton’s or Starbucks gift cards
• Chapters gift cards, London Drugs gift cards, fast food gift cards, grocery store gift cards- High demand items!
• Anything with Calgary Flames/Stampeders/Roughnecks/Blue Jays on it
We love to have new handmade items to give to our seniors; they love them! These can be cards, crafts, knitted winter gear – anything you think they might enjoy!
Sorry, no, we ask that all items are new. The only exception to this is very gently used books or specialty items that cannot be found new. If you have questions, please contact us at coordinator@seniorssecretservice.com
If you would prefer to make a cash donation, there are many expenses such as boxes, transportation, warehouse costs and if needed, purchasing gifts for seniors who come in late to the program. The best way to make an online donation is;
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/seniors-secret-service/
-or-
https:/ /atb.benevity.org/community/cause/124-894375666RR0001