Twin sisters plan Valentine's cheer for seniors

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Eddie Rwema

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EMC news - Valentine's Day can be a lonely holiday for the elderly, most of whom may have lost a spouse, but not at St. Patrick's Home this year.

Students at George Etienne Cartier French Catholic elementary school helped spread love by buying roses and making cards for seniors on long term care at St. Patrick's Home in Ottawa South.

Thanks to efforts by 10-year-old twins Chloe and Mindy Baroody, every senior at the home will received a rose and a Valentine card.

The twins and their class of 28 made a 14-minute walk to St Pat's on Feb. 14 to join residents in celebrating Valentine's Day.

"We are doing it for the elderly people at St. Patrick's who might feel a bit lonely and forgotten," said Chloe.

Chloe and her sister Mindy spent the last two weeks fundraising and making cards to ensure seniors don't feel forgotten on Valentine's.

"We decided to make them feel better and loved by giving them one rose each and one hand made card," said Chloe.

They were able to raise $150 which they said was enough to buy 202 roses, enough for all the residents at St. Pat's.

"It is a good cause and I hope the elderly people will like it," said Mindy.

The students are making the cards in the shape of a heart with drawings and decorations.

"We want to make the elderly people happy to see kids and to receive gifts from them," said Chloe.

On the other hand, Mindy who wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can help others, said she was excited about the cause and hopes the seniors will be happy too.

"We are trying to send out a message to other kids that helping is fun - you can always help in a good way," said Mindy.

"I would say that it is not only that you are a kid or young that you can't do things to help others. Anyone could make a difference."

St. Pat's provides long term care to adults who are affected by physical losses and require 24-hour care.

While young people their age would be thinking of chocolates on Valentine's Day, these 10-year old are already thinking of love - and how to help change other people's lives.

Their mother Sylva said thinks seeing children that age so excited about helping other is heart warming.

"It makes me proud that they are becoming compassionate citizens and that they thought of the elderly," said Sylva.She said the kids have been very involved since their childhood.

"It is very encouraging seeing them thinking of the most vulnerable members of our society," she said.

As twins, Sylva said they think alike most of the time.

"I find that they have an interest in other human beings."

School principal France Girard said it was thoughtful of the girls to think of such a cause and that the school has been supportive.

"We are a Catholic school, we encourage kids to do good deeds in the community," said Girard.




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