It has been a tough few months for seniors, their caregivers and families in our community.
Four separate COVID-19 outbreaks hit Delta View Care Centre in East Ladner, The Waterford in Tsawwassen and KinVillage in Tsawwassen. Sadly a number of residents passed away in these facilities while many other residents and staff members tested positive for COVID-19 and were forced into self-isolation.
I can only imagine the immense toll that these outbreaks took on all involved and my condolences go out to the families, friends and caregivers who lost someone due to the virus.
This past weekend though, there was some positive light on the horizon as Fraser Health declared the outbreaks over at Delta View and The Waterford, with the hopes that KinVillage will also not be too far behind.
There is also positive light coming from many in our community as they show tremendous love and support for the residents, in particular at The Waterford.
I’m so impressed with the spirit and love shown by Grade 7 Chalmers Elementary student Carys Woolford, who last week delivered 110 hand painted “happy” rocks for every resident. She collected the rocks in her backyard and then spent two weekends and a couple of odd evenings painting them. Each one also came with a hand written note with her well wishes.
Care packages have also been sent by South Delta Baptist Church and Augustine House, another senior community in Ladner to The Waterford.
Then there are Beach Grove elementary teachers Joanne Calder and Nancy Klassen who, along with their students, showed kindness and love by making friendship bracelets for Waterford residents. The students previously wrote letters in December with special Christmas greetings as well. The letters and now the bracelets have fostered an incredible bond between the students and their senior friends. What an amazing showing of inspiration by these teachers and students.
It is heartwarming to see this community come together when there is a need.