Bazaars sure sign Christmas is around the corner
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 -- Natalie Miller
It’s that ‘bazaar’ time of year.

As the Christmas season approaches, OMNI homes gear up for their annual tea, bazaar and craft sales that provides a social affair for residents and the opportunity to raise money for the home.

On Nov. 16, family, friends and community members are invited to Frost Manor’s Christmas bazaar, held from 2 to 4 p.m at the Lindsay long-term care home. The bazaar features a variety of vendors showcasing their crafts and goods.

“The residents have their own craft table,” says Vi O’Leary, Frost’s life enrichment co-ordinator.

Vi says throughout the year, she has incorporated craft making into programming. Centerpieces, Christmas decorations and dishcloths are among the wares available for purchase.

Co-op students on placement at Frost Manor have been busy baking in the home’s restorative kitchen in preparation for the bazaar. Vi herself has been arriving at work early and staying late to make the traditional Christmas cakes, which were a hit last year. The 2005 event raised $350 for the resident council fund.

Admission is $2 per person.

Meanwhile, in West Lake, West Lake Terrace staff members are gearing up for their home’s tea and silent auction.

“We’re preparing for Christmas,” says Julie Clarkson, life enrichment co-ordinator.

“It’s an awfully busy time of year.”

The Dec. 2 event features silent auction items courtesy of local businesses and community partners. Money raised will support the residents’ council and the effort to create a palliative care room. The event is social in nature as well, says Julie.

“Family and members of the community can come in and visit with residents and chat.”

The event is free and runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The purchase of tea and goodies costs $3.