A horseback-led parade rolled by a seniors care home in West Vancouver Friday night.
The event was organized by Giselle Portenier, whose mother resides at Amica West Vancouver, along with a number of others whose parents also live at the long-term care facility.
“I realized that the folks working in retirement homes were not getting any love, unlike other sectors like nurses, doctors and grocery store clerks,” stated Portenier, in an email.
More than 25 people – donning uplifting placards, positive attitudes and bringing plenty of cheerful noise – either walked or drove by the facility on Clyde Avenue on the evening of April 10.
The parade was led, however, by Maple Ridge resident and former North Vancouverite Julie MacMillan, who rode one of her horses and wore a bright outfit for the festivities.
“The staff there are so great. The hospital staff are getting all these accolades, as they should, and we definitely felt these people should as well because they’re just amazing,” said MacMillan, whose 89-year-old father resides at Amica West Vancouver. Her mother, who passed away in December, also lived there.
MacMillan operates J&M Acres Horse Rescue in Maple Ridge. The rescue horse MacMillan rode Friday night was called Trucker, she said.
“The one woman who has been the absolute kindest to my parents … she pulled her mask off and waved at me,” said MacMillan.
As she rode her horse along the street, followed by a group of other parade revelers, MacMillan was buoyed to see how touched staff and residents at Amica West Vancouver appeared to be at the gesture.
“Everybody who’s feeling down in this situation should just get out and do something good, because it sure makes you feel a lot better,” she said.
