Christmas comes early to Mercy Place Ballarat

The joy of Christmas has been well and truly in the air at Mercy Place Ballarat with a number of the city’s traders showcasing their wares, providing the home’s aged care residents an opportunity to make some early festive purchases.

Twenty traders have set up stalls within the home and with live music playing, residents, friends and families turned up to soak up the atmosphere and potentially make inroads into their Christmas shopping.

Mercy Place Ballarat Lifestyle Club and Events Manager Shanna Love says the Christmas market was an annual event at Mercy Place Ballarat for many years until the onset of the pandemic three years ago.

“The market was a much-anticipated occasion and in recent times it has been terribly missed, so it’s wonderful for everyone that the event is now back on the calendar,” Shanna says.

A favourite day for MP Ballarat residents

Resident Lyn Light says the Christmas shopping day is one of her favourites at Mercy Place Ballarat.

“I’ve bought five presents for my grandchildren,” says Lyn. “It’s always a great relief to get some early shopping out of the way.”

Today’s stallholders have included Dimple Dot Designs, which handcrafts children and baby items; Mia and Talbot, which trades in candles and gifts; Sweets by Sairz which offers personalised biscuits and all things sweet; and Hattie and The Wolf, which provides unique and colourful gifts. A number of fashion items will also be available for purchase.

Shanna says Christmas is a special time of the year for many residents.

“Christmas is remembered happily, as a time of togetherness, and it is a joyous occasion to share a meal and exchange gifts,” Shanna says.

“Some of the residents were joined by their families, adding to the joy of the occasion. We really try and dress the day up as much as we can for the benefit of our residents.

“It is something the traders enjoy as well and we know they do their absolute best to make the day as fun as possible.”