The people who live at 47 Hilliard St. East, Saskatoon Saskatchewan undertook a very special project this past month. La Loche, a remote northern First Nations community, was particularly hard hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. A CTV report stated “La Loche [is] the most concerning COVID outbreak in Canada, epidemiologist say.” Fifty of the then 88 reported cases in Saskatchewan were concentrated in La Loche. Click here to read the full article.
The people who live at 47 Hilliard, with the support of Nicole Giesbrecht, created cards of care and support.
“It’s very troubling and concerning,” Nicole said, “I have a heart full of love and I have a heart for the First Nations communities who are suffering. All here share in their grief and loss from a distance.” Carolynn Engen added, “They are always in our thoughts and prayers” and Carolyn Wuchner shared, “I love them all.” They sent their cards via postal delivery. They are hoping that they might get a response.
Picture of the cards sent to LaLoche
The demonstration of care and concern for others has been a wonderful and surprising response during this pandemic. Whether it has been in the creation of cards, painting messages of support on a front window, a lawn sign, or the many other random acts of kindness, this time of crisis has inspired the best in people.
It is one of those human characteristics that reflects the image of God within us all – the desire to show love and compassion. People are people, and people want to, and need to, care for others as much as they need to be cared for. It is what makes us human.
A key service principle of Christian Horizons is empowering people who receive services to fully participate as citizens. Nothing says “I am a full citizen” more than a demonstrations of caring, compassion and participating in random acts of kindness. These are important stories to tell.
If you know a story that needs to be told, please reach out to Neil Cudney ncudney@christian-horizons.org and we will share it here together.
