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Calgary woman’s flowers bring ‘nice boost’ for health-care workers amid COVID-19 pandemic

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Calgary woman’s flowers bring ‘nice boost’ for health-care workers during COVID-19 pandemic
WATCH ABOVE: Alberta’s health-care workers are getting some new support in the battle against COVID-19. Here’s Gil Tucker with a Calgary woman out to boost their spirits during these trying times – Sep 24, 2021

Alberta’s hardworking health-care workers are getting some new support in the battle against COVID-19.

Calgary hairstylist Melissa Miller is out to boost their spirts by handing out well-deserved bouquets of flowers to front-line workers at hospitals.

“I know you guys are under a lot of stress and strain,” Miller told one nurse, “so I just wanted to send you some love.”

Health-care workers said it’s a gesture they appreciate.

“Everyone’s pretty burnt out right now, and having that appreciation, it’s a nice boost,” registered nurse Kelsey Lauren said.

Miller was handing out bouquets Friday outside the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre in Calgary.

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“It’s very encouraging,” registered nurse Ria Schneider said. “(It) makes me feel even more proud to do what I do every day.”

Health-care workers said the flowers are especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“We’re trying to stay above ground right now,” registered nurse Monica Park said.

Miller said she found recent protests at hospitals upsetting.

“Our health-care workers don’t deserve that, so it’s been really hard to watch,” she said.

Miller is calling her efforts The Lois Project, inspired by her 81-year-old grandmother Lois, a retired nurse.

Miller started handing out bouquets on Sept. 18 with $60 worth of flowers she had bought.

The project has been growing since then as others join in to support it.

“I set up a GoFundMe account this past week, and in four days it accumulated a little over $2,600 in donations,” Miller said.

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“I am going to hit as many hospitals as I can, show love to as many people as I can and just spread the kindness.”

Miller’s efforts have been well-received by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, which represents about 55,000 health-care workers around the province.

“Our health-care workers really do deserve every accolade that could be thrust upon them,” AUPE vice-president Bonnie Gostola said.

“They are the heroes in this pandemic.”

 

 

 

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