The halls of Westmeath Residential and Nursing home rang with the Christmas spirit yesterday as residents were entertained by goodwill visitors from Paragon, Bermuda.

The event was held as part of the new outlook that the staff of Paragon, a technology consulting company, has adopted this Christmas. Instead of holding their annual client Christmas event, they are dedicating their time and money to charitable causes.

Paragon employees visited Westmeath Residential and Nursing home yesterday to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and sing carols with the residents. Several of the residents joined in with the singing.

Jennifer Gibson administrator at Westmeath said: “We welcome this gesture with open arms.”

“So often seniors are forgotten about at this time of the year, and it's a very good idea for anyone to donate their time to such a good cause. I understand corporate organisations are very busy, so we're very grateful to the team at Paragon who have taken time out of their busy schedule to entertain the seniors.”

“Christmas is a special time and this year we decided to make a real difference by helping those in need,” said Grace Welch, marketing manager of Paragon Bermuda.

“This year, above all others, we are all thinking of those who are less fortunate than ourselves and this seemed a practical and simple way of giving back to the community.”

Also as a part of their new outlook, this week Paragon plans to help four local families in need of financial assistance by donating $1,850 of gift certificates for clothes, food, shoes, and toys - all of which are to be distributed by Child and Family Services.