A group of motorcycle riders have taken on the task of spreading positivity around the Okanagan, and on Saturday they visited Penticton.
Just before lunch, frontline health care workers gathered out front the Haven Hill Retirement Centre in anticipation of special guests soon to arrive. Residents sat looking out their windows.
Neutral faces quickly turned joyful as numerous motorcycle riders with the Southern Interior Christian Riders, Chapter 49, turned into the parking lot, honking and revving their engines. Parked, they displayed signs which read, 鈥淕ratitude,鈥� 鈥淥ur prayers,鈥� 鈥淐are staff,鈥� and more.
Residents and bikers waved to each other through their windows. Care workers made a heart symbol with their hands.
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Many riders took a moment to say a few words to thank the frontline health care workers for their service.
Haven Hill was their fourth and final stop in Penticton Saturday, and from there the riders continued on to other Okanagan towns including Summerland and West 琉璃神社.
鈥淲e had to think outside the box, about how can we show support for residents that are cooped up in homes, and at the same time how do we show support for the care workers that are looking after those people,鈥� said rider Paul Kozjak.
鈥淲e wanted to bring a little bit of the outside world and the joys that we have, we wanted to bring it right to their homes.鈥�
Saturday served as the group鈥檚 inaugural support ride, but already the response has been so positive, the group has been asked by each home to return soon.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to hit Summerland and West 琉璃神社, we鈥檙e not limiting ourselves to just Penticton,鈥� said Kozjak. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got a great group.鈥�
The majority of the riders are from Summerland, but also hail from West 琉璃神社 and Oliver.
Haven Hill general manager Alexander Cook said Saturday鈥檚 salute served as a reminder that community spirit is alive and well in Penticton.
鈥淭he community spirit in Penticton is alive and well in these uncertain times,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his gives both team members and residents alike hope and encouragement.
鈥淲hat a nice gesture of goodwill and thankfulness鈥� God bless them.鈥�
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