LOWER SACKVILLE: Three young boys from the Waverley area showed how big their hearts really are with a random act of kindness towards residents and staff at a retirement and assisted living facility in Lower Sackville.
Colton Brown, 12; brother Parker, 10, and cousin Marcus Manzoni, eight-years-old, made special Valentine’s for the residents at The Sagewood on Cobequid Road.
Just before rush hour and supper time on Feb. 12, the three along with Colton and Parker’s mom Stephanie, dropped off the gifts and valentine’s outside the facility, where a staff member came out and picked them up saying thank you.
“We delivered cookies, cake, and a bunch of valentine cards we made to them, hoping it brings a smile to their faces,” said Colton.
Stephanie Brown explained Parker, who is homeschooled, and her were looking for ways to exchange Valentines. Someone suggested in a Facebook group she’s in that long-term care resident homes were now accepting gifts.
“I loved the idea,” said Stephanie Brown in a phone interview.
Colton is a Georges P. Vanier Junior High student in Fall River, while Marcus attends Waverley Memorial School.
Stephanie said she contacted The Sagewood and asked if it would be appropriate to bring by handmade Valentines.
“They were very eager to accept thinking that their residents would be delighted to receive them,” said Stephanie.
She said they also discussed a treat, to which they gave some specifics of what the residents would enjoy.
“From there it just evolved,” she said. “The kids got to work making valentines, Marcus was enormously proud of his work. He was focused on doing his best printing on all of his cards.
“Colton decided we should do something for the staff because it’s incredible what they’re doing day in and day out.”
That’s where a beautifully made cake from Sugar Mommas Bake Shoppe for the staff came about, along with Tim Hortons coffee, some hot chocolate, and tea.
Stephanie said Parker chose a Valentines card for all of the kids to sign and say thanks to the care workers for the hard and caring work.
“It was a pretty happy afternoon for the residents at the Sagewood,” said Stephanie. “They (the staff) expressed a great deal of gratitude and appreciation to the boys.
“This is proof that a little bit can go a long way.”
Marcus, Colton, and Parker all spoke of why they did the act of kindness.
“They’re not getting to see their families right now because of COVID19 and restrictions,” said Parker as Marcus and Colton nodded in agreement.
He could only envision the reaction the residents will have to their kind gesture.
“I think they’re going to open their valentine’s and say, ‘oh my gosh, this is so nice,’” said Parker.
All three agreed bringing joy to the residents made their hearts grow.
“We’re pleased to do some small thing to try and make their day,” Colton said.
While having limited visitors right now is difficult, now the residents at The Sagewood know they have some ‘secret admirers’ thinking about them.
