Seven-year-old boy spreads joy with neighbours through handmade ornaments

A seven-year-old boy and his family spent Monday evening spreading joy around their Winnipeg neighbourhood.

Spencer alongside his mom and dad, delivered handmade Christmas ornaments to his neighbours and friends in Crestview.

The tradition started in 2020. During that time, Sabrina Gamey and her son, Spencer, who was three years old, felt isolated. Her son, who was born with a rare genetic deletion, was immunocompromised and unable to get out much, so they began doing various activities to keep themselves busy. This included painting ornaments.

When all was said and done that year, they had completed 200 ornaments. 

“I didn’t know what to do with them,” said Gamey. ” We decided that instead of just putting these ornaments in the box somewhere, to share them with our neighbours. We have been doing this every year since then and it gets bigger each time.”

Seven-year-old Spencer and his family spent Monday evening delivering ornaments to their neighbours in Crestview. (Supplied)

The prep for the ornaments, as well as the cutting and painting, are all completed by Spencer. His parents and sisters help sign the backs of them. Gamey says they never expected it to grow as big as it has. 

“Last year when we did this, there were a lot of our neighbours waiting by the door, standing outside. One person even drove down the street because he missed us and wanted to meet with us and talk with Spencer,” said Gamey. “We’ve heard some beautiful stories that break your heart, but that give you hope. Hearing, especially from people who have gone through hard times and these ornaments, seem to help lift them up.”

Although Spencer is getting older, Gamey says this is a tradition that they will continue to do over the years. 

“Spencer loves it. So if he’s loving something, we’re going to run with it,” said Gamey. “The other thing is, I’m very big on instilling sharing and giving to others with all three of my children, and Spencer’s no different and it’s just become so important because of the way it makes people feel and it humbles you a bit. And you know, as long as it’s making people feel good, then why not?”