Inclusion Powell River Society (iPR) has been busy coming up with creative and fun events during 2020 to bring the community together while safely distancing.
“We’re trying to bring people together while keeping them apart safely,” said iPR community connector Christine Townley. “We’re trying to think outside of the box more than usual.”
Last week a Christmas light display was set up at iPR’s Joyce Residence. It will be listed in the city’s Light Up Powell River map and can be viewed until January 2, 2021.
“Springtime [Garden Centre] lent us their trees and they were decorated by the community,” said Jenn Lawlor, also an iPR community connector. “I went around and I asked some businesses, churches, individuals and schools.”
With all of the support, whoever responded first was able to partake. Each of the 10 iPR group homes were also provided a larger tree because families aren’t allowed to visit with one another right now; they’re invited to come and decorate the tree on the outside.
“We wanted to brighten up their Christmas and put a smile on people’s faces,” said Townley.
Families, board members, staff and other group homes can come by and put an ornament on the tree for the clients inside.
“This is one of the challenges with COVID, trying to keep community connection. There are so many people in the community living in isolation and so it’s not just for the people within inclusion, it’s for any community member to be able to feel like they belong and are a part of things,” said Corinna Curtis, iPR’s director of adult and residential services. “We wanted to have the trees outside to keep that family connection because it’s so important for families to get together and with all of the restrictions that have been put in place, it’s been challenging for them all.
“It’s difficult when you can’t spend time in person with someone you love and care for, so this is a way to increase connectivity for families, for friends, for community members.”
After Christmas these trees will go into the Special Olympics mulching program.
Another iPR event underway and continuing until December 20 is a living advent calendar game, with 48 advent photos hidden outdoors throughout the community. A regular advent calendar contains 24 spaces but the number was doubled to prevent overcrowding at locations. All residents can participate.
For more information, go to inclusionpr.ca or facebook.com/inclusionpowellriver.
