An Orillia Secondary School student is on a mission to make Easter brighter for local seniors.
Simone Booth, 15, works at the Leacock Care Centre. She says it’s tough watching seniors spend holidays on their own.
“This past Christmas I saw a lot of residents who don’t have family nearby,” she said. “It’s not the happiest time for them.”
Booth has created a GoFundMe account to raise money so she can create Easter baskets for local seniors who could use a smile over the long weekend.
“I’ve started with money out of my own pocket to get this started up,” she explained. “I’m putting together baskets with stickers, plushies, candy, chocolate, and cards.”
Booth is aiming to create 10 to 15 baskets for six different homes in town. However, ideally, she could make enough baskets for all local seniors in need. So far, she has raised $175.
Severn Shores Public School has stepped up to help Booth, a graduate from the school, with the project.
“A couple of the classes are making cards to put in the baskets as well,” she explained. “It’s really nice to have that support."
The inspiration behind Booth’s good deed comes from her grandmother who used to fill shoe boxes full of essential items and then donate them to low-income families at Christmas time.
“She just recently went into a retirement home,” Booth explained. “That got me thinking that Easter might be a good time to follow in her footsteps.”
Booth hopes her Easter baskets can make the holidays a little easier for seniors and can put a smile on their faces.
“I know it will mean a lot to people to receive these baskets,” she said. “It can really help with holiday spirit.”
If you would like to donate to the project, Booth is taking donations until April 5. For more information or to contact Booth, click here.
“I’m really hoping I can get more than 70 Easter baskets,” she said. “I want everyone who needs one to get one.”
