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Ladysmith United Church plans ‘care-a-van’ to support workers

‘This Valentine’s season, it seems like a mobile valentine’s card is especially in order’
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(Black Press Media file photo)

The Ladysmith United Church is planning a “care-a-van” to show support for local healthcare workers on Feb. 13.

“No one group is more exhausted than our healthcare and other essential workers. Recent actions that are causing our health care workers worry and fear to even enter the places they work to take care of our health have made us commit to showing yet again they have our praise and appreciation,” said Rev. Deb Hinksman of Ladysmith First United. “COVID has been here significantly longer than anyone initially expected. No one is immune to being weary of it all. The mask-wearing, quarantines and health orders that have limited our interactions with family and friends continue to tire us in many ways.”

People will gather at the Ladysmith High School parking lot this Sunday at noon for a departure time of 12:15 p.m. A lead car will be there to mark the start of the care-a-van.

Hinksman said when people arrive they can drive up and get in the queue — participants are asked to stay in their vehicles. When the care-a-van gets started, all are asked to follow at appropriate driving distances and speeds and the route will end back at the Davis Drive roundabout. She added the route will be posted online to let people know when the procession may be in their neighbourhood.

“All are welcome to greet us or participate in the care-a-van itself,” Hinksman said in a news release. “As always, Covid protocols are in place for the upcoming care-a-van. Please only have your household in your vehicle. Feel free to decorate with hearts, balloons – however you wish to show your support and care.”

When the pandemic started, Ladysmith United Church looked for ways to support local essential workers and keep in contact with congregational members who were shut-in. Having seen the birthday drive-bys back then, the congregation decided to create the care-a-vans.

“It only took the success of the initial care-a-van to let them know that this would be a good thing to continue and they have always been well received,” Hinksman said. “A natural evolution was that the care-a-vans got themes: St. Patrick’s Day, dads and grads, Canada Day and, of a particularly well-received “Praise, not Protest” theme. This Valentine’s season, it seems like a mobile valentine’s card is especially in order.”

“These drives through town are foremost our Church outreach to the essential workers and our home-bound congregation members and we have always welcomed others who wish to show that same care and support to our community.”

ALSO READ: ‘It’s not OK’: BC Nurses’ Union demands better working conditions


 

@_hay_tyler
editor@ladysmithchronicle.com

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