Creighton Lodge ushered in the holiday season on Tuesday with a Christmas market that delighted both residents and the community.
“It was our first one we did at this size since COVID, and it went over really well,” said manager Shelley Veroba.
The event, designed to bring the holiday spirit to the lodge, allowed seniors to shop alongside their families or purchase gifts without leaving the facility.
“The reason we host this type of event is so that our seniors can shop with their families, and for their families, without actually having to leave the facility,” Veroba said.
The market featured a variety of vendors selling handmade rugs, beaded jewelry, baked goods, and more. The Estevan Museum also participated, offering fundraising calendars and homemade ornaments.
“The residents were happy with the event,” Veroba said. “They loved it.”
The market operated in two sessions: from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“One lady went back to her room between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and she came back out at 6 and asked to have a table so she could sell some of her own baking and things she had made, and so we did that,” Veroba said.
Two other residents also had tables at the market. One standout was the "smitten" table, which sold mittens made from repurposed sweaters.
“We had many families that came, but also people from the community, so it was a nice small event for people to be able to shop,” Veroba said.
“The vendors were pleasantly pleased with the amount of people that came and who purchased and supported them,” she added.
Veroba highlighted the importance of hosting such events during the Christmas season, noting that the lodge’s holiday decorations began on Nov. 27, with the residents' Christmas party planned for the following week.
“This just kick-started everything a little bit, got them in the mood, and now we’ll move into decorating and then we’ll have our Christmas supper."
The lodge is also preparing for a volunteer appreciation night, bringing together residents, volunteers, and local officials.
“We invite the RM, council, and the city, and then we invite residents and volunteers to all come together because we don’t have enough room on the residents' supper night to have everybody,” Veroba said.
With over 200 residents and 75 guests, the event is set to be a lively celebration.
“We’re looking forward to it next year,” Veroba said of the Christmas market. “We had 15 tables this year, which was about the maximum we could accommodate, but we also have an S lounge. We do have room if we need to make it bigger. But I think this might have been just about the right size for the residents.”
Veroba said feedback from residents, families, and vendors will help shape future markets.
“I would just like to thank everybody that came and brought product to the lodge, but also the residents and their family members who supported it because it was really important that it was a success so we can have it again next year.”
“Our building is always very open. It’s independent living, but we just love being there for the seniors to enrich their lives. Every event we host that includes seniors and their families is socially invigorating for the seniors, and they love having people around, especially during the holidays.”
With the cold and flu season an unfortunate downside to winter, Veroba reminds visitors to ensure they’re healthy when attending lodge events.
“Unfortunately, with visitors, sometimes comes the odd cold or flu that will come through our building,” she said. “So we do ask visitors, especially for one of our events, that they come healthy. But other than that, we just love seeing everybody.”