People show their support across the street from Battlefords Union Hospital for the Clap for Healthcare and all essential workers event, Saturday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Giving back to those who give

Battlefords’ Clap for Healthcare brings out strong show of support for all essential workers

Apr 12, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Some carried signs, others banged pots, and many honked their vehicle horns to say a big thank you to healthcare and all essential workers providing service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The community came together to show their support across the street from Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH), Saturday.

Several RCMP officers took part, driving their cruisers, sounding their sirens and flashing their lights in a parade around the hospital.

A group of healthcare workers came out onto the hospital second-floor roof before starting their shift to see all the supporters.

Registered nurse Deborah Beaudry was just coming off her shift at BUH.

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“This is fantastic,” she said. “It’s so nice of them to do this. I didn’t expect this at all. I thought, wow, they really appreciate all us… This is a really big boost, all the people who came out to support us.”

She said there is a lot of stress for everybody right now in the world so this gesture from the community was a great lift.

Beaudry said with the COVID-19 situation there are a lot of policies healthcare workers have to follow, adding that “everybody is doing the best they can do, and they are doing a fantastic job.”

Amy Williams stood outside her door clanking her kitchen pot to show her support for healthcare and essential workers.

“It was so exciting to see everybody come out, particularly the police that was a nice touch,” she said.

Williams thanked North Battleford resident Krista Fox for organizing the event.

“I think people appreciate, and have a profound feeling that [those in healthcare] are putting themselves at risk by going to work, and taking care of us,” she said. “How wonderful is that.”

Battlefords Union Hospital licensed practical nurse Victoria Nykiforuk was touched to see everyone honking their horns to honour those working in healthcare.

“It was very heart-warming to have the community come out and show their gratitude for us at BUH,” she said.

Event organizer Krista Fox said it doesn’t matter how many took part but “whoever was meant to be there was there.”

“I loved it,” she said. “It was very emotional to me to see people turn out. I chose to do it now because although we can’t gather this Easter it was a small way for us to get together and praise the people who are important in our lives, who continue to help keep us safe.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow