‘There were quite a few tears shed:’ local insurance company puts on holiday bash for Elmwood Residences

For the past 20 months, things haven’t been normal for people living at Elmwood Residences in Saskatoon.

From intense precautions to a COVID outbreak, the group home for those with intellectual disabilities has seen both sides of the pandemic. They’ve been waiting two years to host a public event.

That all changed on Dec. 18, leading up to the holidays.

Galon Insurance brought in 16 members to help throw a Christmas party for the residents. It’s the third straight year the party has been held, with the 2020 version moved to Zoom.

“The residents absolutely love it,” said Elmwood’s Executive Director, Rachael Steinke.

“It’s such a wonderful opportunity. It’s been 20 months of some pretty intense precautions to ensure everybody is safe. We are now very lucky, all residents have their first two shots and have had the opportunity for their booster shots, as well.”

Steinke said it was a great opportunity to come together in a safe way over the holiday season.

“Watching the residents, this year, we were really lucky to have the ability for many of them to go home and spend a little bit of time with their families, or have their family members come in. But, it’s been a lonely couple of years,” she explained.

“It is something like this that can really boost the spirits across the board.”

Residents were given their own personalized care packages. Steinke used the example of one resident, who she said loves Tim Horton’s. He was gifted items like Tim’s cards, coffee, Keurig pods, coffee tins and mugs.

“It is his favourite thing that could have ever been — you walk past him and he says, ‘Double Double!'”

A resident of Elmwood Residences with his care package, put together by Galon Insurance. (submitted/Jannah Nicholson)

Jeff Galon is the general manager at Galon Insurance, who said the event went “absolutely amazing.”

“There were a lot of people very excited to see us, and we were also very excited to see them. It was a great experience,” he said.

“There were quite a few tears shed, from many different people. It was such an uplifting experience for everybody. It really did feel good to get out and to have that spirit.”

Galon said his company has been involved with Elmwood and Cosmo Industries for the past several years.

Now, with the impending move of Elmwood into smaller group homes across the city, Galon said they’re planning and need more volunteers to keep the party going.

As for the residents, the effect it had on them lasted. Jannah Nicholson is the Manager of Community Inclusion at Elmwood.

“They enjoy it, so much,” she said.

“When Monday rolled around, they wanted to show everyone their gift items, and their families.”