For the second year in a row, Puddleford Tree Farm is selling holiday ornaments for the Alzheimer's Society of Chatham-Kent.
Gail Whitney, co-owner of the tree farm in Kent Bridge, started painting ornaments as a pastime with her father when she noticed his memory was fading and basic skills became difficult for him to perform.
"I spent half of every day with him and we needed something to do," said Whitney. "He couldn't read a book, he couldn't watch tv but he was able to get his hands dirty and help paint the ornaments... it gave him a feeling of accomplishment and purpose -- it brightened his day."
Whitney's father has since passed away, but she continues to honour her father's legacy by selling painted ornaments and donating a portion of the proceeds to the Alzheimer's Society (ASCK).
"It's a feel-good idea," said Whitney. "I know how difficult Alzheimer's could be on a family."
This year, the ASCK's day program clients were able to bring the ornaments to life and help paint 200 of them.
"It gave them something to do," said Whitney. "It's a fun way to raise some money."
Whitney said the ornaments sold out very fast last year and she is looking forward to sharing the ornaments with the community.
Puddleford Tree Farm opens its doors for Christmas on Saturday, November 20, 2021. They will be selling ornaments for $5 each.
