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For nearly a decade, the 50 Plus Friendship Club of Park Extension has invited Grade Two students from Barclay elementary school to sing at their Christmas dinner, exchange gifts, and meet with the seniors. When the club decided not to organize the event this year, a few of its members got together on their own to make the tradition continue.
“A few of Santa's elves said 'We can not break this tradition!'” said Shirley Laberge, a member of the club, and a self-proclaimed elf. She and some of her elf friends, she said, had already started to make the slippers that each student will receive this year.
“It's not just the singing, it's the tradition – mixing seniors with the children,” said Laberge of the event. “Many of the children don't have their grandparents here.”
After past gatherings, Laberge added, the kids have recognized the seniors around the neighbourhood. “They say ' Hello madame, hello madame.'”
“Christmas is a time to share,” said Grade Two teacher Sonia Landry, adding the most important part of the yearly event is having the students meet with seniors. Her class will join with another Grade Two class, taught by Lucie Rochefort, at the December 16 gathering.
The event began eight or nine years ago, when Norma McKay – then president of the 50 Plus Friendship Club – invited the two second grade Barclay classes to sing at the club's Christmas dinner.
“The day of the dinner they arrived all excited to sing on a stage with curtains they could open and close,” Laberge recalled of the earliest years. “After, they came down and gave the members a Christmas card they had made. The first year we gave them a small Christmas stocking with a few candies and a candy cane. They went back to the school all proud.”
“A tradition was started.”
Each year, the tradition has included an exchange of crafts. The students have made Christmas ornaments and cards, and each student writes a letter, explaining a bit about who they are. The seniors have made a variety of crocheted items for each child over the years, including mittens, hats, scarves, and slippers.
“Thank you Jacque, Sandra, Betty, Liane, Jennie, Annick, Diane and our other helpers,” Laberge said, making sure her fellow elves got the recognition they deserved. They've reached into their own pockets this year to make sure the event could happen, Laberge noted, adding it's in the memory of Norma McKay, who has now passed away.
The event is open to Park Ex residents and happens Thursday, December 16 in the basement of the St. Francis of Assisi church, at 7755 Outremont. It runs from 1pm until 3:30pm. Laberge noted that Santa and his elves will have to get back the to the North Pole quickly, as they have much work to do before Christmas.