Saskatoon Catholic students celebrate 45 years of giving back at Christmas

Looking back on the last 45 years, Wilma Gauthier says starting the Elmwood Christmas parties is one of her fondest memories.

Gauthier, a well-known teacher in Saskatoon's Catholic system, started holding parties for people in Elmwood Residences back in 1969. Elmwood is a large group home for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

"It's funny, because lots of years I would think, 'this is my last one'," Gauthier recalled. "But the morning after, you know that you have to do it again. It really means Christmas to me."

Junior high students are each paired with a person from Elmwood for the night, talking with them and helping them get food. As well, students entertain the residents with musical performances.

"It's pure giving and receiving and caring, and nobody has any axe to grind, or anything to gain," she said. "And the children just come and give."

Gauthier's entire family has become involved in the parties. 

"My children have been coming since they were pre-schoolers, probably when they were four and five I started bringing them," she said. "They never missed even through high school and university. They would make sure they came."

Her son, Kent, became a principal in Saskatoon and kept the tradition alive, and last night, her grand-daughter Maya celebrated her first Elmwood Christmas party.

"It's something the residents look forward to from the beginning of September," said Elmwood recreation coordinator Jannah Nicholson. "What school party they're going to go to, and what schools have been booked into. They love hanging out with the kids."

The Elmwood Christmas parties have expanded in the last 45 years, with six different parties held across the city this year organized by different Catholic schools.