UNITY - A blue sky and warm temperatures enabled residents of several senior centres to sit outside and enjoy a personalized drive-by parade the morning of June 10.
Close to 40 vehicles joined the procession that drove by residents of long-term care, Parkview Place and Luther Place, as well as travelling down Main Street.
Police led the parade that included dozens of decorated vehicles, classic cars and a tractor and was rounded off by the Unity Fire Department.
Long-term care staff helped make signs, while some even dressed in costume to greet the procession.
Brianna Heck, long-term care activities co-ordinator, called the parade a “heart warming event.”
She was impressed with the number of those who participated.
“Our residents and staff have nothing but rave reviews to say. We appreciate everyone who took the time out of their day to participate in the parade,” Heck says.
A barbecue lunch was served on the patio after the parade, and carnival-style games and treats were featured in the afternoon.
“To everyone who made this event possible, and as memorable as it was, thank you,” Heck says.
Parkview Place residents called the event terrific and said it was a morale booster.
Iris Merk said the nicest thing about the parade was that residents were all sitting out in the sunshine,
Alliece McCubbing said she thought it was just great. “A lifter-upper,” she said.
Paula Sittler, manager at Parkview Place, says she admires the community for their generosity of time and energy which brought out tears of joy for their residents.
Parade participant, Randie Woytiuk, whose mother is a resident at Unity’s long-term care, says, “As usual small town Saskatchewan, goes above and beyond. Love that some of the staff dressed up as clowns. It was so good to see my mom. It was a great idea.”
Rita Desmarais, a regular volunteer at long-term care until the pandemic restrictions came into place says, “It was the best feeling ever. Seeing those smiling, happy faces makes you realize it doesn’t take much to spread a little happiness.”
Dozens of others commented on social media about their appreciation of this community gesture.
