November 1, 2023- Lloydminster AB/SK – Over 900 local senior citizens will receive a Christmas gift this year, all thanks to Lloydminster and District Co-op’s annual Spread a Little Love this Christmas program.
Unveiled nine years ago, the program was created by Lloydminster and District Co-op as a way for citizens to share the holiday spirit with senior citizens in Lloydminster and surrounding communities.
“I am proud of our organization’s efforts to help give back to seniors during the holiday season. With our members support of this co-operatively based program allows us to give back to seniors that helped build our communities that we live in today. Together we can Spread a Little Love this Christmas and make a difference for our seniors this holiday season.” Shared Peter Brown, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with Lloydminster and District Co-op.
With support from The Olive Tree and local Health Authorities, Lloydminster and District Co-op collects the Christmas wish of over 900 local senior citizens residing in Lloydminster and area. The seniors’ name and wishes are written on ornaments, then placed on Christmas trees at Lloydminster and District Co-op’s grocery stores and gas bars.
With the addition of five new senior’s housing complexes in 2021 – Padua Place, Hallsholme, Southridge Manor, Fellowship Village, and Knox Manor – Spread a Little Love this Christmas provides gifts to seniors residing in 19 unique locations across six communities.
Becky Schille, CEO of The Olive Tree, expressed, “We are grateful for the ongoing opportunities to engage with our local seniors through our programs. This collaboration with Lloydminster and District Co-op will further extend our reach, demonstrating the deep appreciation and value our community holds for them.”
Citizens of Lloydminster and area are encouraged to visit one of Lloydminster and District Co-op’s grocery stores or gas bars to choose an ornament from the Christmas tree. After the gift is purchased, the customer can bring the gift back to a participating Lloyd Co-op location.
Additional centres include Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Dr. Hemstock, Hearthstone Place, Jubilee Home, Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre, Manitou Housing (Neilburg), Southview Manor (Marsden), Paradise Hill Care Home, Pine Island Lodge (Maidstone), Pioneer Lodge, Pioneer House, Points West Living, Tighnduin Home (Lashburn), and Lloydminster Metis Housing Group Elders Lodge. The campaign runs from Wednesday, November 1 to Friday, November 24, 2023. All gifts will be given to local seniors prior to Christmas Day.
A diversified co-operative retailer established in 1914, Lloyd Co-op has 11 locations in Lloydminster, Lashburn, and Neilburg. Owned by over 22,000 members, Lloyd Co-op offers food, fuel, agro products and propane. Locally, Lloyd Co-op paid back over $5.4 million in cash and equity to members in spring 2023.