Residents at Kensington Gardens perform a number during the home’s recent Christmas pageant.
Kensington Gardens’ pageant successful at encouraging resident participation
Organizers looking to duplicate success next Christmas
Tuesday January 12, 2010 -- Deron Hamel
Kensington Gardens' recent Christmas pageant encouraged resident participation and inclusiveness, and was well received by all, say the Toronto home’s residents and staff members.

Held Dec. 23, the pageant brought together 15 residents from each of the home’s four floors to showcase their talents in front of an audience of their peers, families and staff.

Annette Ginesi, who works in the home’s life enrichment department, created the pageant, along with two of her co-workers.

Ginesi and her co-workers chose residents most interested in singing and performing for an audience about a month before the pageant. In the weeks leading up to the big day, the life enrichment staff rehearsed with residents every Thursday.

Erin Wilson, the home’s life enrichment supervisor, notes that if residents wanted to perform, they were encouraged to participate, no matter their level of ability.

She adds that the performance included readings by residents affected by dementia.

“It was inclusive for everyone,” says Wilson.

The pageant also drew interest from residents who do not celebrate Christmas.

Ruth Vellis, one of the pageant’s participants, notes that while she’s of the Jewish faith, she enjoyed the spirit of the occasion.

“It was fun,” she tells the Morning Report.

“When you have an opportunity to participate it makes a difference.”

Vellis says her favourite part of the pageant was the group’s performance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” which featured performers making hand motions representing each gift mentioned in the song.

While Kensington Gardens hosts a Christmas party every year, the home had previously hired outside entertainment.

This is the first year residents took the starring role, says Wilson.

Based on the success of the pageant, Wilson says the home is planning to host the event next Christmas.

Ginesi, who has a musical background, says one idea she might look into trying next year is having residents play instruments.

“I’m thinking of maybe trying a bell choir,” she says.

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