Editor:
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a great deal of concern.
At times such as this, the best is brought out in some people as my husband and I are experiencing.
Last week, a neighbour walked from his home two blocks away to ask, at a comfortable two-metre distance, if he could be of help as my husband and I are seniors.
A half-hour later, another neighbour offered to help if there is anything we need. And our daughter and son-in-law, who live in Vancouver, are bringing to our doorstep groceries and other things we might need.
We know there are many family members, friends and neighbours helping folks at this time and want to acknowledge them. They make it possible for us to stay home, as we are advised to do.
I would also like to acknowledge the many front-line workers, in addition to the health-care workers, who are selflessly working on our behalf at all times including this time of the COVID-19 virus.
Just a few days ago, City of Burnaby firefighters and BC EHS paramedics answered a call to a home in our neighbourhood. I had the opportunity, while maintaining a two-metre distance, to thank them for working on our behalf at this very difficult time.
So often, firefighters, paramedics and police are the first responders at sites and situations where they are the first to arrive at and assess dangerous situations causing risk to themselves as well as potentially those of us on whose behalf they are working.
As a nurse who worked in acute, community care and health promotion, I have often had the opportunity to be aware of the work they do on behalf of so many and want to acknowledge their selfless work as first responders and front-line staff at this difficult, unprecedented time. And, I know there are so many others working on behalf of others and to all I say a sincere thank you.
To all the individuals who are doing what they can personally do, thank you. This is an opportunity for all to do what we can and should do for ourselves and others. This is a time for all to be our best for ourselves and others.
With great appreciation.
Diane Gillis, Burnaby
