What began nearly two decades ago as a small holiday visit by a handful of kindergarteners has grown into a cherished Christmas tradition at the Pines Retirement Home, bringing together children and elders in a celebration of creativity, music and connection.
This year, the annual gathering by the Kids with Heart community programme grew from its usual six children to 12, with a local homeschooling group joining residents for an afternoon of bow-making, gingerbread decorating and carol singing.
Led by The Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps and supported by the Pines, the gathering has steadily evolved into one of the home’s most anticipated events of the Christmas season.
“It started off with the kindergarten group, and now we’ve really been loving doing this the last few years with the homeschooling group,” said Kids with Heart organiser, Pamela Webster.
Inside the decorated common area, children clustered around mini-Christmas trees donated by local businesses, including No. 1 Shoe Shop and Kirk Office. Others worked carefully with ribbon and wire, learning how to make festive bows under the guidance of ‘Miss Pat’, affectionately known as ‘Grandma Pat’.
“She’s taught all the kids how to make these bows,” Webster said. “It’s super easy, but it’s something they feel proud of.”
As the children decorated, residents drifted in and out.
“Any interaction with the elderly coming from small children is very, very appreciated,” said Lynda Mitchell, Pines Retirement Home manager. “This is what they’re missing most of the time. When they see young children come in, it just lights them up – especially around this time of year.”
Webster, who has served on the Pines board for 12 years, said the event is rooted in a longer tradition of service and intergenerational care. She is also a past director of the Pink Ladies, a volunteer group founded by Olive Miller, who played a central role in establishing the Pines.
“We’ve always had a Pink Lady on the board,” Webster said. “Miss Olive would sit down at the piano and play when we first started doing this.”
Giving back to seniors
Among the adults accompanying the children was homeschool teacher Mayjorie Bague, who said the visit reminded her of volunteer experiences from her home country in the Philippines.
“Participating in an event like this helps me feel the Christmas season back home,” she said. “I used to volunteer at homes for elders, so it’s really nice to do this again with the children.”
For the children themselves, the appeal was a fun way to give back. Seven-year-old Jace McLean said he enjoyed decorating and learning about creativity.
Cameron John Coombs, also 7, said he liked Christmas because “you get toys from Santa Claus, especially if you’re good,” while 11-year-old Mariah Adderley said the experience was about helping others and trying new things.
“I learned how to make a bow – something I’ve always wanted to learn,” she said.
Her younger sibling Hazakiah, 9, was equally enthusiastic, already looking ahead to gingerbread decorating. “That’s going to be delicious,” he said.
Melesia Adderley, who has been homeschooling for five years, said opportunities like this were one of the reasons she chose the path.
“Homeschooling has opened doors beyond expectation and imagination,” she said. “The kids get socialising, fun and the chance to give back.”
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