Local “church ladies” are baking up cookies of gratitude for health-care workers.
On Thursdays in October and November, members of different religious congregations in New Westminster are coming together to bake thousands of cookies for delivery to doctors, nurses, aides, cleaners and assistants at Royal Columbian Hospital.
“We were tired of banging on pots and reposting memes,” said the Reverend Emilie Smith, parish priest of St. Barnabas Anglican Church. “We have to express our appreciation for all that health-care workers have done these past 20 months.”
The first shipments of double chocolate chip walnut and peanut butter chocolate chip have been delivered, and several thousand cookies will be baked in the coming weeks.
“We’re doing what we do best,” St. Barnabas parishioner Liz McIntosh said in a press release. “When there’s trouble – we bake!”
St. Barnabas Church warden Maureen Shirley agrees.
“It’s been so hard, this pandemic,” she said. “And it’s shocking, unbelievable, that anyone would actually protest health safety measures right at the hospital.”
In addition to the sweet support being offered to health-care workers, St. Barnabas Church has hosted five drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics. More than 300 neighbours got the jab – and a freezie to ease the ouch.
“We’ve got to help each other in every way,” Smith said. “We love our community!”
Ravine cleanup crew celebrates
Community members have been working hard at removing invasive species from the Glenbrook Ravine – and now it’s time to have some planting native trees and shrubs.
Now in its fifth year, the restoration project brings people from New West and beyond together to help restore the ravine.
“We have ordered 400 plants and need help getting them in the ground,” said a notice from organizers.
The tree-planting day is on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“To celebrate the work and support from our many volunteers at this site over the last five years, we are also celebrating this month,” said the notice. “Refreshments will be provided as we recognize the collective progress made.”
People are asked to ensure they’re wearing appropriate footwear (something with ankle support and closed toes) and outerwear (it runs rain or shine). Volunteers may also want to bring their own filled water bottle, and work gloves and tools (if you have them).
Anyone who attends this family-friendly event will need to sign a waiver if they haven’t attended a previous event this year. Volunteers under the age of age of 18 will need permission from a parent/guardian, which is on the second page of waiver.
“This is a family-friendly event, and we have ways for people of all ages and abilities to get involved and contribute. You do not need to be a resident of New Westminster to participate. Anyone is welcome! We will be working rain or shine,” said the notice. “We're really excited to wrap things up for 2021, and are looking forward to seeing you all soon.”
If you're planning to attend, contact Kyle Routledge at [email protected].
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email [email protected]
