In a bid to bring a little light into a dark time for seniors in long-term care, a Richmond company has signed up to become penpals with 65 residents.
The owners and staff at health and wellness firm Organika, based at Verdun Place near Bridgeport Road and Knight Street, recently became penpals with the seniors at a Richmond long-term care home.
Organika’s CEO Aaron Chin said the company recognized that, although many of us are struggling through the pandemic, seniors in long-term care have been particularly isolated.
“We champion diversity here at Organika, and diversity is not just race or religion, it’s also age,” said Chin.
“The senior population during this pandemic has been hit hard, both physically and mentally.
“I’ve even seen the benefits first-hand - namely my 100-year-old grandfather in Malaysia, who hasn’t left the house once since March.
“We talk almost daily and he’s told me how it has kept him going.”
Chin said he and his team decided to launch its “Pen Pal Initiative” in seniors homes during the holidays to “bring a little light and cheer.”
“But it doesn’t just end at the holidays. We hope to learn more about these people and their stories, to continue to bring positivity for them into this New Year,” Chin added.
