SUDBURY -- Tenants of a Sudbury seniors' centre rallied together Monday in a small showing of support for their health-care workers during this pandemic, but ended up receiving a visit from by-law officers.
Together, many residents at Sudbury's Ukrainian Seniors' Centre gathered outside in the parking lot over the lunch hour Monday to unite in song in a tribute to those working hard to ensure their well-being.
"We had to find a way to thank the staff, the PSWs (personal support workers), that work here at the centre because they're the ones that look after our health and welfare," said Terry Martin, who spoke at Monday's tribute. "Without being able to get together and have a party or something like that for them, we thought well, we'd come out here and thank them, be able to physically stay apart, thank them for the great job that they're doing."
Together, residents and staff joined in the chorus of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow and You are my Sunshine, fitting of the deep respect they have for health-care workers, including PSWs.
"They keep people happy," said Jim Dufour, a tenant in the building. "People are otherwise sitting in their room with nothing. They'd have nobody to talk to. The staff go around, talk to them, bring them food, bring them their meals. It's fantastic what they do."
While the gesture was small and the songs didn't last long, the message sent to staff was deeply appreciated.
"I think it gives us all that little bit of a feeling that we are doing this for a reason, that we're not doing it in vain, that they all appreciate it," said Anna Johnston, executive director of the centre. "They all do their part in helping us they say as well, which is important. They get all these services."
Johnston said the staff has been working hard every day to ensure the well-being of all tenants of the facility.
In addition to hallway bingo, which CTV News reported on last week, custom masks made of comfortable materials and regular robocalls featuring either an inspirational or informative message are also happening at the facility.
"I think just keeping in contact with them. Regardless of this, staff are still interacting with them on a daily basis, bringing them their meals to their doors, the hallway bingo," said Johnston.
Despite these uncertain times, Martin said that morale at the facility remains high.
"It is a very tight community, both the residents and the staff as well. We all get along very well together. We all support each other. We're all friendly to each other."
Despite the good intentions, the home did receive a notice of violation. The home did not wish to provide further comment on the matter.