A fun Christmas tradition at The Residence at Clayton Heights brightened spirits at the complex care facility over the holidays.
Each year, there’s a decorating contest that involves a lot of creativity and plenty of recycling.
Initiated by staff, the entire building has taken the task to heart, creating a winter wonderland using recycled items, from cups and paper plates to old newspapers and magazines.
This year, staff and residents used everything from coloured corn husks to magazines in a bid to transform them into beautiful decorations.
In addition to sourcing their own materials, each hall was given a mystery box containing mandatory items to be used to create a decoration – leaving nothing out.
Components included blue glitter, pompoms and popsicle sticks.
This year, each neighbourhood was given a Christmas movie to base their decorating scheme around: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Polar Express, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle all the Way and Elf.
A panel of judges made the rounds Dec. 21, the day of the Christmas dinner, and the prizes were awarded the next day, also the date of the Christmas party.
The title of grand prize winner was awarded to the neighbourhood that scored the overall highest points.
That honour went to Carson’s Orchard, with its inventive The Grinch Who Stole Christmas theme.
The Residence is home to about 130 people, seniors and people with brain injuries.
Located at 18788 71 Avenue, it opened in 2012.
It’s organized according to neighbourhoods to promote a homey environment.