West Kelowna, Kelowna Party Parades come to an end, following COVID-19 precautions | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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West Kelowna, Kelowna Party Parades come to an end, following COVID-19 precautions

Each birthday party parade has a convoy of about 20 to 40 cars, with many of them decorated.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK / West Kelowna Party Parades

They were a bright light for a number of kids in an otherwise dark time, but they too have come to an end.

West Kelowna’s Party Parades saw neighbourhood children under the age of 16 get feted from afar with a cheerfully decorated procession of cars, but citing the need to take heed of the prime minister’s directive to simply stay home, they were ended.

“We had a GREAT run with this, we loved coming out and seeing all the kids. Many of us spent over eight hours a day planning and executing this. We don't want to stop. But what kind of example are we setting for our kids when (whether we believe what they say or not) we don't listen to the federal government. I don't like any of (it) either, but it's a rule. Follow it. Sure it can be argued, but to what end?” organizer Jenn Stirling wrote.

“I can't thank you all enough for making these past days as amazing as they were. I know it's only a small few that need to make their little remarks to stir the pot. The amount of love and support from all of you has been heartwarming and truly appreciated. I never thought it would be this tremendous of a thing to be part of, and I am truly so thankful for what we had.”

The Facebook page lit up yesterday when the announcement that the parades were over. Some people gave thanks to the time and effort organizers put into the project, others felt a need to express upset.

Regardless, the cavalcade of cars won’t rev up again. The organizers, however, aren’t letting go of the idea that they can add something cheerful to the lives of local kids and have launched online birthday parties on Zoom. The same thing is happening on the Kelowna Party Parade Facebook page which has now changed its name to Kelowna Virtual Birthday Celebrations and parties will be held from the comfort of every participant's home.

“Listening to public health rules is your duty,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday during the daily press conference. “Staying home is your way to serve, so be smart about what you do, about the choices you make. That is how you’ll serve your country and how we’ll all serve each other.”

The longer it takes for all Canadians to follow the rules and stay home to curb the spread of COVID-19, the longer it will be before life can return to normal Trudeau said.

Canadians are nearing the end of their third week in physical isolation with the prospect of at least another month, and likely much longer than that, before restrictions on businesses and public gatherings might start to loosen.

Government financial aid packages right now are set to last at least until the end of June, including the new 75 per cent wage subsidy which Finance Minister Bill Morneau estimated Wednesday will cost $71 billion.

Trudeau is asking for Parliament to be recalled to pass the legislation required to implement the new subsidy, which will apply to large and small businesses, including charities and non-profits, which have seen revenues drop at least 30 per cent because of the pandemic.

Morneau said he would be open to extending the program past the end of June if necessary but nobody in the federal government was willing to say when they think the public health threat from COVID-19 will allow a return to normal activities.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Dr. Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer, both said there is a lot of work underway trying to determine various scenarios but the planning isn't easy because it is so dependent on the behaviour of individual Canadians. Hajdu was terse when she said every Canadian is responsible for how long "we are stuck" inside.

- With files from The Canadian Press


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