A West Vancouver university student is hoping to acquire as many uplifting cards and bright pieces of artwork as possible in order to donate them to residents and caregivers at North Shore care homes.
Lauren Gill, a third-year UBC student, has had time on her hands since classes went online recently. Looking to find a way to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Gill got in touch with administrators and staff at local care homes that have been affected by the crisis, including Hollyburn House and Lynn Valley Care Centre, which have given the project a green light.
After sending out an email to residents in her Cypress Park neighbourhood community, Gill was buoyed to learn that many wanted to join her in submitting drawings, artwork and messages of hope for the residents and staff of long-term care facilities on the North Shore.
Now, Gill wants to extend the invitation to more people on the North Shore. A collection box has been set up outside Cypress Market Corner Store (4360 Marine Dr.) where people can donate their kids’ drawings or leave cards, according to Gill.
“I think it’s just going to brighten some people’s day. It’s a really, really hard time for some people, especially the residents of a care home. I hope it’ll just bring a smile to their face,” says Gill. “It would mean a lot to the hard working staff and the isolated residents to receive some support during this time.”
Gill asks that the donated art/cards be placed in Ziploc bags so they can be wiped down and sanitized before being donated.
She plans to donate the first batch of cards and artwork later this week, and will keep the collections box at Cypress Market Corner Store for people to keep donating to moving forward.
