Every year, the December craft fair is a highlight for residents at Origin at Longwood. Community members who’ve engaged in crafts during the year, such as painting, knitting and crochet, get to sell their creations to the community before Christmas.
“Our community members practice their hobbies with great enthusiasm, and come December, the craft fair becomes a focal point for them,” says Scott Young, Origin at Longwood’s Sales, Marketing, and Operations Manager.
The fair serves a noble purpose, with proceeds going to three Nanaimo charities: Haven Society, Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank, and Nanaimo Family Life.
“All but the cost of supplies goes to these charities, making it a meaningful way to start the New Year,” Young adds.
Celebrating New Year at Origin at Longwood
Philanthropy isn’t the only way Origin residents are celebrating.
The retirement residence celebrated the New Year with a special dinner with champagne, fostering a sense of celebration and new beginnings among the residents. This event was part of a broader approach to acknowledge different cultural celebrations, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the community members.
“Not just the common Jan. 1 celebration, but we respect all residents’ faiths, offering possibilities to celebrate different New Years,” Young says. This includes Chinese New Year, where last year, Chinese opera singers were invited.
New ideas and projects
This inclusive approach extends to activities available at Origin. If a community member has an idea, such as starting a singing course or organizing a trip to a local concert, the management team is open to making it happen.
“We have a formal process for community members to submit their ideas, but they can also talk to us directly, and we do our best to make their dream a reality,” Young says. This approach led to unique initiatives like a choir and a golf club outing, among other things.
The residence also respects different religious beliefs, offering spiritual gatherings and facilitating visits to various churches. In fact, every Sunday, community members are dropped off to at least seven different churches!
New beginnings
2024 also brings new beginnings for Origin at Longwood. “We are launching ‘Origin at Home’ this year, expanding our services to more seniors,” a care system that will be accessible to seniors, who can benefit from staying in their own homes for longer, Young says.
Origin at Longwood’s approach to the New Year is multifaceted, combining celebration, community service and inclusivity.“It’s about starting the New Year on a positive note, both for our community members and the broader Nanaimo senior community,” Young says.
For more information about Origin at Longwood, visit originway.ca/origin-at-longwood or call at 250-751-7755.