The fun – if you can call it that during the COVID-19 pandemic – began with waves, dance moves and a few bubbles.
Now it has blossomed into a giant tub of Christmas gifts for seniors who aren’t able to get out due to the risks.
Burnaby resident Adeline Yu wrote the NOW about her two daughters, Annette and Gladys, and how they regularly visit their grandma, who resides at a local care home. Due to pandemic restrictions, the pair haven’t been allowed inside the care home so they visit and wave to their grandma. They also dance. And blow bubbles, anything to entertain grandma.
But it’s not just their grandma who has enjoyed the attention.
“They have noticed that many residents would wave to them for a ‘hi’ and would beam up if the girls would wave back,” Yu said. “They had bought bubbles to blow into the air for them and the residents beamed up. The girls realize how lonely and isolated these residents have been.”
So, the two girls took things a step further.
Instead of a toy drive for kids, they decided that they wanted to get every resident at the care home a Christmas present and card.
They connected with family, friends and a Bible study group for monetary support. They received enough money to get all 128 residents each a gift. The girls’ school, St. Thomas More, their Bert team, made Christmas ornaments with a message for all the residents.
“I think is important for people to know that this Christmas, long-term care residents are needing our attention and love to ride out this challenging time,” said Yu.
