Christmas Comes Early to Mercy Place Ballarat

The joy of Christmas came early to Mercy Place Ballarat with some 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 set up stalls around the aged care home’s Town Square and with live music playing, residents, friends and families soaked up the atmosphere and made 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.

Thursday’s stallholders will include Dimple Dot Designs, which handcrafts children and baby items; Mia and Talbot, which trades in candles and gifts; Clay Flowers, which offers flower arrangements and ornaments; 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.

“Many of the residents were joined by their families last week, 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.”

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