The Tree of Hope at Waskasoo Towers in Red Deer. (Irene Jacobson)

By Sheldon Spackman

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“Tree of Hope” helps Red Deer seniors cope with pandemic

Apr 29, 2020 | 4:03 PM

Residents at Waskasoo Towers in Red Deer are sending out a message of hope into the community to help offset the physical distancing and isolation measures currently in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents there have created a Tree of Hope – an oak tree which stands for strength, morale and resistance.

Decorated with ribbons to represent hope, and wind spinners to represent sending that hope out into the world, residents wanted to join in, and add to the many positive initiatives taking place throughout the community in making everyone feel better.

“I saw so many wonderful things online that others are doing, and I thought, “What could we do?” explains resident Irene Jacobson. “I wanted to do something different and others liked the idea.”

Jacobson says the Tree of Hope has already brought joy to most who see it.

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“There are always detractors but they have been a small minority,” says Jacobson. “The tree has given us a focus…of hope.”

Despite the pandemic, Jacobson says residents at Waskasoo Towers are mainly doing well.

“One thing we have that helps a lot is our courtyard, room outdoors that we can enjoy,” she points out. “But I have to admit that most everyone is wanting to get back to being able to play cards, have coffee gatherings and all those things we now cannot do.”

Jacobson says it’s important to stay positive under these conditions.

“Keep up the hope, be kind, show consideration – we will get through this,” adds Jacobson. “We are also planning to have a, “We Survived the Great Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020” party when this is over. A little hope at the end of this dark tunnel.”