Parade of hundreds thanks Newmarket hospital workers during COVID-19 pandemic

'A giant hug for Southlake': Emotional community support for front line workers in fight against coronavirus

Yorkregion.com
April 3, 2020
Lisa Queen

Hundreds of cars and emergency vehicles circled Southlake Regional Health Centre April 2 in an emotional display of gratitude for front line staff working during the coronavirus crisis.

"It was like a great, giant, big hug for Southlake," Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said moments after the 5 p.m. parade wrapped up.

"It was honestly one of the most public outpourings I’ve ever witnessed. I’m emotional about it."

Hospital staff were emotional, too, as they watched cars adorned with signs bearing messages such as "Thank you front line workers", "We love you Southlake" and "Southlake heroes, thank you", form a long line that drove along Davis Drive and through the hospital property.

Everyone was honking and waving.

At separate spots along the route, cleaner Carol Gordano, MRT technologist Pamela St-Amant and nurse Suzanne Rush tried to hold back tears as they described what the parade meant to them.

"We’re all coming together to help each other and try to stay safe," Gordano said. "You go where you’re needed.

"It’s sad. It’s sad that the world had to come to this for people to wake up and start saying it’s not all about me. It’s about everybody. (The parade) is wonderful. I know everyone is feeling sad and scared. Just to have everyone come together as a community, take care of the old, take care of their neighbours, just love one another. That’s what we have to do, just start loving one another and just be safe."

St-Amant admitted working during the crisis has been stressful.

"It’s a difficult time and the reason I’m out here for the parade is we’re gathering together and we’re supporting our second family, just like we do our family at home," she said. "We’re in it together. We’re trying to protect our family home and we’re doing the best we can to protect our second family.

"Every time I see these parades for other hospitals, I cry and they’re not even my hospital. It’s just the community coming together and saying thank you and appreciating what everybody is doing together to save each other’s lives. It’s even more joyous (now it’s for Southlake)."

Rush was thankful for the much-needed support from the community.

"It’s a stressful time for all of us and we really appreciate what’s going on with the staff," she said.

"This is really special to watch."

Newmarket resident Anasara Stanton made a banner thanking Southlake staff for staying on the job that she hung on the wall across the street from the hospital.

"I’m sure they feel appreciated, but when strangers are letting them know that we appreciate them because they are putting their life at risk with this virus, I think it’s just an extra thank you for them," she said.

"Keep up the good work and we’re all just hoping that everything goes away very fast."