Aged care residents stitching their way to Christmas

Springvale aged care residents have kicked off the festive season in style holding their own Christmas markets stocked with handmade items made over the past six months.

Putting together all their favourite handcrafted goodies, residents at Bolton Clarke Lexington Gardens offered the local Springvale community the opportunity to fill their stockings with gifts made with love.

Resident Belen says making the gifts was a great way to bring residents together and get into the Christmas spirit.

“As a group, we were sewing different items for our Market Day including shopping bags, small wallets, sunglasses cases, table runners, placemats and key rings,” Belen said.

“I used to work as a dressmaker and seamstress, so it was so much fun working together and socialising while we did it.

“Working on a common goal of making items for our stall was empowering because it gave us something to work towards.”

Residents put together more than 200 items ahead of the day, which attracted strong attendance from locals keen to buy unique Christmas gifts.

Lexington Gardens Lifestyle Coordinator Neha said the market was a great way for residents to put their skills to use and connect with the local community.

“Residents have been working hard since around May putting different pieces together,” Neha said.

“Initially the craft group Stitch Up was getting together each week to make different things, but we thought this year, why not offer them to the local community.

“The market day was a huge success and each of the residents enjoyed working together to make some beautiful Christmas gifts.”