In just four-and-a-half hours, Aven Manor sold out its Tree of Giving holiday campaign. 

The initiative, launched Tuesday, invites community members to sponsor a senior and provide a gift for them under the Aven Christmas tree. 

In the retirement centreSA国际影视传媒檚 second year of the initiative, CEO Daryl Dolynny said he was SA国际影视传媒渢ouchedSA国际影视传媒� by the communitySA国际影视传媒檚 generosity. 

Ahead of the launch, the team at Aven asked the 54 residents what they wanted for the holidays. When prospective donors emailed them, Aven replied with a residentSA国际影视传媒檚 request and background information on their interests to make the exchange more personal. 

SA国际影视传媒淣ot all of the residents have immediate family and some have no family members at all,SA国际影视传媒� Dolynny said, adding that a little goes a long way for the seniors. 

Along with their gifts for the residents, Dolynny said he was heartened to see many of last yearSA国际影视传媒檚 donors throw in extra treats for recipients and even personal photos. 

SA国际影视传媒淎s a CEO, I walk the halls and talk to residents and a lot of them still have their photos from last year,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

As Aven is unable to run its usual silent auction and bake sale sale this year due to Covid, the Tree of Giving campaign is also inviting monetary donations to support recreational activities throughout the year. 

One such activity is the retirement centre's annual Christmas dinner. Though, this year, family will have to join Aven residents virtually to avoid health risks during the pandemic.

Though all residents have been accounted for with Christmas gifts, Aven will continue to accept donations until Dec. 11. 

The retirement centre is working towards raising $10,000. Dolynny said the organization is already halfway there.  

SA国际影视传媒淟aunching these events in the middle of crises, we really donSA国际影视传媒檛 know what to expect,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e very thankful that the community has come out in spades for our seniors in a very tough time.SA国际影视传媒�