GO surprises La Nouvelle Maraitaine with Christmas gifts
CHARITY is the gift which keeps giving at La Nouvelle Maraitaine, whose residents received Christmas presents from Giving Opportunities.
Residents gathered in a social room with non-resident friends and GO representatives for a surprise treat.
Paula Mills, GO manager, requested donations at the shop some months ago to give as gifts, and hopes the tradition will continue in coming years.
‘This is the first time we’ve done this, I’ve only been at GO for around two years,’ said Ms Mills.
‘I’d like it to carry on, I just think it’s great.
‘It gives them something they might not get otherwise.
‘After the year we’ve had I just thought it would be nice, and I just love old people.’
Three sacks were filled with enough donated presents for about 40 residents.
‘It’s all smellies and bath products like shower gel, aftershave, or perfume for the ladies.’
Nouvelle Maritaine committee member Nikki Kerr said: ‘I know how much a little thing does. It really means a lot to them to know that someone else is thinking of them.
‘There are around 15 residents here, who all didn’t know they were getting presents today.
‘I’ve kept it a secret because it’s lovely for them to have a surprise treat.’
The circumstances allowing Christmas celebrations at the residential homes are very much appreciated.
‘We are open to everybody now and we are really lucky to be able to do that.
‘We don’t take it for granted either, none of us do, it has been a tough year.
‘We’ll be thinking about the ones who can’t have a usual Christmas this year.’
GO were thanked on behalf of all at La Nouvelle Maraitaine.
‘We work really closely with GO, a lot of the young people here work there and we have a little shop of donated items here.
‘We help each other, and if we have anything to donate we go there.’
Funds raised in GO’s charity shops based on the Bridge – GO, GO2 and GO Outdoors – funds training for some of Guernsey’s young people to work, working closely with the Guernsey Employment Trust.
Items are often upcycled to preserve lease of life which otherwise would end up in landfill needlessly.
n Visit: go-on.org.gg/ for more information.
