‘Lights up their day’: Toddlers’ singing brings joy to Kalgoorlie-Boulder senior citizens at 20th annual event

The heartfelt singing and handmade crafts from toddlers brought smiles to the faces of senior citizens at a Kalgoorlie-Boulder aged-care centre this week as two decades of an annual event was marked.

Children from Goldfields Child Care Centre dropped in to brighten the day for residents of Victoria Park Nursing Home on Tuesday afternoon.

The annual event celebrates International Day for Older Persons, with the residents enjoying a specially prepared performance from the children.

Victoria Park Nursing Home activity assistant Sue Stewart said the event was important for both children and the older residents.

“All the residents just love anything to do with children so we find that it definitely lights up their day,” Ms Stewart said.

“Some of these residents don’t have any family here and to see these children, it’s exciting and very important for them.”

Following their performance the toddlers then had the chance to meet residents and handed over crafted flowers and cards in a show of appreciation.

Each resident received gift packages prepared by the children and their families — the bags overflowing with toiletries and treats to pamper them.

“The gift bags are a message of love from the children to brighten their day and to let them know that they are thought of, remembered and an important part of the community,” Ms Stewart said.

“The children work hard in the lead up to this event . . . making cards, gift tags, doing inspirational verses with the paintings all while learning about the importance of being kind to others and caring for others and getting involved in the community.

“It just instils the values of being a good citizen and contributing to the wellbeing of others.”

Tuesday’s visit marked the 20th year of the partnership between the aged-care and childcare centres.

A specially made plaque was presented in thanks to the Goldfields Child Care Centre while Victoria Park Nursing Home received a beautiful flowering plant to mark the occasion.