Some residents at Allendale hopefully enjoyed a parade last weekend.
The ‘Lighting Up Allendale’ group organized a small Christmas parade on Saturday. The group had previously decorated the courtyard with lights, inflatables and more to help bring some joy to the residents living inside. Allendale is currently six-weeks through an outbreak that has taken the lives of at least 18 people. You can read more on the lights here, while the latest COVID-19 statistics can be read here.
The Regional Councillor for Ward 3, Mike Cluett, says it was their goal to bring some holiday cheer.
He adds that they planned on stopping by other facilities with the parade, including Martin House Seniors Residence, as well as Halton Women’s Place. An estimated 20-30 cars were expected before the parade kicked off.
It had snowed on Saturday morning, leaving the ground with an appropriate Christmas dressing. Councillor Cluett says that with the annual Milton Santa Claus Parade being cancelled due to COVID-19, this small makeshift parade is making up for some of that lost Christmas cheer.
Laraine Goodban was reportedly the inspiration for bringing cheer to Allendale. She was the person who had contacted Mustafa Sajid that spurred the idea to ‘Light Up Allendale’.
Goodban’s husband is currently in the LTCH. She hasn’t been able to see him in person for months; however, despite his condition, she says he seems to be happy about the lights.
She says the staff also benefits from the lights and parade. A worker in Allendale had contacted her exclaiming how much the display has improved her mental health.
The group is still planning on holding caroling sessions as we get closer to Christmas Day.
Happy Holidays from myFM!
