In the lead-up to Christmas, residents of the Lutheran Services’ Orana Aged Care enjoyed a cheerful morning of Christmas shopping, tasty treats and community spirit.
The annual Hilltop Markets held on Saturday, 29 November welcomed families and Kingaroy locals to browse through the 12 stalls run by residents and local businesses.
The markets, which were established in 2018, allow residents who are unable to leave the community an opportunity to experience Christmas shopping without leaving the aged care home.
The stalls run by the Orana residents offered a selection of homemade Christmas gifts and delicious baked goods including rum balls and decorated sugar cookies, succulents in pots prepared by the gardening club, woodwork, a varity of handmade crafts and sewing.
The morning kicked off with a barbecue serving sausages provided by local butcher Martoo Meats, breakfast rolls, and complemented by a coffee van serving drinks and sweets.
Raffle prizes donated by local businesses included 10 half-hams from Kingaroy bacon factory, Swickers. Proceeds from raffle tickets, stall sales and the barbecue will support resident activities, and the purchase of two air fryers for residents and staff to use.
Orana Aged Care Activities Facilitator Jo Olsen said the markets were something the residents looked forward to each year.
“Seeing residents with their families and connecting with the wider community is why we run this event each year. It turns our courtyard into a little Christmas village,” she said.
“For our residents, having the sights, sounds and smells of a real Christmas market brought into their home is incredibly meaningful.
“The smiles and the sense of achievement when something they’ve made is sold is the real success of the day.”
