Frontline Workers Appreciation Drive-By

Frontline Workers Appreciation Drive-By

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Frontline Workers Appreciation Drive-By was held in the communities of Tofield, Ryley, Holden, and Viking on May 14. The drive-by got underway shortly after 10 am in Tofield with a cavalcade of vehicles which included the RCMP, Peace Officers, Ambulances, and Fire Departments.

The event, jointly organized by members of the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation and the Community Attraction and Retention Committee, was intended to allow residents to show their appreciation to all of the hardworking people that have taken care of them during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

A convoy of emergency vehicles on the final leg of the drive-by route in Tofield. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

One of the first areas the first responders drove by was the Tofield Care Centre. Several staff members and a few patients gathered outside the facility. Discharge Planner Laura Barber was shooting a video on her phone while the procession went by. Mel Henriksen, area manager of acute care services, said they have long-term care, acute care, and home care services all under the same roof. “We have 50 long-term care beds, 16 acute care beds, and four emergency department spaces.”

Henriksen, who sits on both committees, said they wanted to find a way to recognize frontline workers and came up with the idea of a drive-by. A short time later committee members began planning the event. “The health care workers are flattered to be recognized.” She pointed out there is a reciprocal effect as residents in the community have respected and adhered to the emergency health orders to help keep them safe. She said it has also made their jobs easier. “We appreciate the sacrifice on the part of the public.”

Henriksen said they prepared 300 spaces in the event of an outbreak, but have had very few admissions, and there have been no positive test cases at the health care centre. In fact, there have only been two positive cases of COVID-19 in all of Beaver County to date. They are located within the central zone, which has also had the lowest number of cases in the province, she added.

“Our message is thank you to those who support us and keep us safe,” stated Henriksen. She said people have donated ear protectors, scrub bags, special treats, Tim Hortons gift cards, and Dr. Scholl’s insoles to staff.

Cyndy Heslin, who was at the check out at the Tofield IGA when the procession went by, made sure to tell the employees that the drive-by was also for them because they are essential service workers.

Heslin, who also sits on both committees and serves as Deputy Mayor for the Village of Ryley, said originally the drive-by was going to be held in Tofield. “But someone asked if they could include all four communities, so we figured why not.”

Things were quiet in the Village of Holden as a couple of emergency vehicles drove past the cenotaph at the north end of main street. The final procession was held in the Town of Viking shortly after 1:15 pm.

On one of the residential streets, Ron and Doreen Mizera were joined by several other family members who enthusiastically banged pots with wooden spoons as the convoy passed by their house. The Mizera’s daughter Kim Beaumont said they like to support the community and decided this would be a nice way to show their appreciation to all of the frontline workers. Fittingly, Beaumont said her son Adam had just joined the town’s fire department.

The Ryley Fire Department was represented by Cory Clark, Deputy Chief Willis Reist, Levi Reist, and Stephanie Clark. In the front row are the Clark girls Temprance and Serenity, and Lisa Young. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)