Community-builders in COVID-19: Country Cottage and Silver Birch Place plantings

Kathy Gynane, along with her daughter Haley Gynane and long-time friend Carol Parsons – a founder of Linking Generations – wanted to spark a little joy in seniors’ lives. They recently planted flowers for residents of Country Cottage and in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, dedicated and planted a lilac tree for residents of Silver Birch Place.

“Because seniors centres are not allowing people in,” Kathy Gynane explains, “we thought it would be nice to plant some things that they could enjoy looking at from inside and enjoy when they do get a chance to go outside.”

Using funding from Community Connections Micro Grants, Kathy, Haley and Carol were able to strengthen social connection when so many of us must keep our distance. Carol mentions that “[our] hope is that each spring as the lilac tree blooms it will bring renewed hope and joy for the elderly people.” Kathy explains that they “planted 9 pots in varying colours to spread out among the front entrance; Along with the planting they had a chance to visit with some of the seniors while they planted.“[We] had an absolutely wonderful morning at Country Cottage.”

We encourage all residents looking for ways to build and support connection in Strathcona County to check out the Community Connection Grants page - your initiative may be eligible for up to $200.

Because like Kathy mentions: “[From] the schools to businesses, it’s a very generous community and people are very willing to support things going on in the county.”