Residents of the Herb Bassett Home in Prince Albert were treated to a parade that included friends and family - many of whom they haven't seen since March 6. (submitted photo/Jen McDougall)

By paNOW Staff

Event at Herb Bassett more than just a parade for residents

Jul 4, 2020 | 10:00 AM

There were bagpipes and fire trucks, graduates, and clowns. A parade put on for seniors at Herb Bassett Home was ‘just what the residents needed.’

The recent event replaced an annual BBQ for the tenants and their families. Instead of gathering in a group, families were asked to join the parade by bringing signs and decorating their cars.

Herb Bassett Home Recreation Coordinator Jen McDougall said the parade was the first event residents have had since March 6^th.

“Outdoor visits just started, so this was the first time most of them got to see people other than staff,” McDougall said.

Local musicians Donny Parenteau, Wilf Savisky, and Al Rybchinski played for the seniors as staff brought them out to line up for the parade.

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“During the pandemic, all large programming and entertaining was cancelled – plus all of our volunteers,” McDougall said. “So to listen to a live band was the best music therapy and to see some of our volunteers in their cap and gown made the residents so thankful and so proud. The parade brought tears of joy to residents and staff. There was so much life to it.”

Especially because of the pandemic restrictions, its been particularly important to help the residents combat loneliness and McDougall said the parade made such a great impact on them.

“On behalf of the residents and staff of the Herb Bassett Home, we would like to thank everyone involved in our parade. It meant so much to all of us.”

See more pictures from the event below.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow