Residents and staff at Campbell River’s Berwick by the Sea have a reason to smile today.
They were treated to a vehicle parade on Sunday.
This comes after a resident of the retirement home had tested positive for COVID-19.
Parade organizer Carrie Jeune’s 75-year-old mom lives there.
Jeune said she put the parade together to show support, because it’s been a difficult time for the residents. “They all just had the norovirus come through not that long ago and so they were all on quarantine, my mother included, (she) actually came down with it, and then we got hit with the COVID(-19), so they’ve been isolated, and lonely, and feeling like they’ve been left out for an awfully long time now, and I just felt like we just needed to show them that we are all here for them.”
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When Jeune floated the idea on Facebook, she figured she’d see about 10 vehicles.
She was pleasantly surprised by the estimated 40 vehicles that took part. Many of the drivers honked their horns as they circled past the building.
Jeune said it was also a tribute to the staff. “They are the ones that are on the front lines; they are the ones dealing with it. Everyone feels responsible for those that they care for and those that they love, and they need to feel the support and that we’re behind them, 100 percent.”
It was an emotional experience, Jeune said.
“Most of us were teary-eyed trying to drive at the same time. It was a wonderful feeling. There were so many people standing out on their decks, waving back. We could see through the windows and on the decks, people crying and waving, and clapping and just being grateful.”
Meanwhile, Island Health has confirmed that those who came close to the individual have been notified and all necessary steps are being taken.
