Volunteers will be making their way to Saskatoon care homes over the next couple of weeks to brighten up the spirits of residents this holiday season.
Over 400 volunteers will make special visits and give residents gifts as part of Be a Santa to a Senior 2018.
On Thursday afternoon, the amount raised through a gofundme page was over $18 thousand dollars.
The money will go towards purchasing gifts for seniors including calendars, snacks, blankets and socks.
Thursday happens to be the last day to collect donations for the annual program.
Greg Charyna of Home Instead Saskatoon says this year the goal is to raise $50 thousand dollars.
Charyna says the $50 thousand was based on the cost of gifts from previous years.
The math being around an average of $40 per gift and the program hands out approximately 1200 gifts a year.
Charyna adds having volunteers coming to the homes and visiting seniors provides a human touch, connection and a chance to form a relationship.
Those interested in donating can do so by clicking on the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/be-a-santa-saskatoon-2018