Decking the halls across Resthaven: Christmas craft
In preparation for the festive season, residents, staff and volunteers have been working together to create decorations for their celebrations at many Resthaven sites.
On Tuesday 15 November, Resthaven Marion welcomed a special visit from Westminster School, reigniting their long-standing relationship between the generations.
Lifestyle Coordinator, Tamara Jacquier, says, ‘A lovely girl, and class captain, Olivia, reached out to us directly, expressing her year eight class’s interest in returning for a crafting session. We were absolutely thrilled to go ahead once we had approval.’
Beginning their session with volunteer, Maryanne Hill, leading the group with a Thai Chi exercise, the students and residents moved on to craft paper baubles together (pictured right).
‘Everyone was so excited to see the children again, that a couple of residents, who don’t usually involve themselves in crafting groups, were the first ones there.’
Many ‘elves’ worked together at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park to craft wreaths, as pictured right with volunteer, Janet Hill (2021 Volunteer of the Year). The staff, residents and volunteers also had fun creating Christmas-style lanterns, with specialty paper donated by a volunteer.
Lifestyle Coordinator, Nav Kaur, says, ‘Volunteers are so wonderful at engaging with residents, and they always have a lot of fun together—we all love having their support.’
‘Christmas is an exciting time of year where we can all come together, and our crafting sessions are a great, stimulating way to do that.’
Over at Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services, the Naracoorte Crafter’s social group painted their way into Christmas with unique stained-glass designs, provided by volunteer, Gina (pictured above).
Resthaven Malvern have also been active, decorating the resident Christmas lunch tables with Christmas angels (pictured right), made by talented residents.
Resthaven will be busy crafting right up until Christmas Day, transforming the halls across South Australia.