Jeff Bedley, life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC) of the Kanata long-term care home, says every resident is represented on the tree. Family members, staff members or friends can choose an angel from the tree, each of which has a resident's name. Whoever picks an angel agrees to purchase a resident a gift.

"This can be very important and special, in particular for residents who do not have any family," says Jeff Bedley, who brought the idea to both Forest Hill and Garden Terrace, OMNI's other Kanata home.

"It's nice the way families contribute - they're very generous," says Jeff.

Holiday cheer doesn't end with the angel tree, though. As well, Jeff has booked 15 to 16 entertainers for the month of December, more than triple the number that would play in the average month.

Each individual floor at Forest Hill will have its own entertainment and parties, says Jeff, and he expects about 50 to 60 people at each floor party. While there is usually a cap of three people per resident, exceptions end up being made, says the LEC.

The parties on Forest Hill's five floors will take place between Dec. 13 and 20. Entertainment will include children's choirs, karaoke and a visit from Santa.

Jeff says the home is very proud of its holiday-theme windows, too, courtesy of Restorative Care Aide, Liza Trahan.

"Liza spent a great deal of time getting them ready, and they look great," says Jeff.