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By Josh Hall and Sheldon Spackman

Thoughtful And Compassionate

Five-year-old recognized for connecting with seniors during pandemic

Jun 27, 2020 | 11:28 AM

A young Red Deer girl has been recognized by a provincial program honouring Alberta’s everyday heroes.

Earlier this month, 5-year-old Vada Alton-MacNeil was informed she’s one of the latest recipients of a Northern Lights Volunteer award, for her efforts in reaching out to self-isolating seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shortly after Vada’s fifth birthday, her mother, Mindy Alton, contacted the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre in Red Deer. Vada was concerned about the seniors in her community and worried that they would be lonely because of social distancing measures. Thus, she began connecting with them to brighten their day.

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Alton says it began with writing a letter to Vada’s grandfather in Saskatchewan, whom they are unable to visit.

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“Vada asked me about all the other grandmas and grandpas alone due to the pandemic and thought it might be a good idea to send them a letter and a picture. To honour this wish, I then approached the Golden Circle,” explains Alton. “They connected us with an elderly lady named Linda, who has no family. Linda has underlying health conditions and had already been in isolation for quite a while. She and Vada share a special bond and share a love of dogs.”

Alton says that morphed into writing letters, drawing pictures and sharing three things Vada is grateful for, all of which now appear in the Golden Circle’s weekly newsletter that goes out to 1,500 members.

“Her sense of empathy is beyond her years and truly is an ingrained part of her character,” says Alton, adding that for Vada’s 4th birthday, she wanted donations for people and pets who don’t have enough to eat. “I tear up with pride just talking about it. I’m grateful she’s been able to gain a sense of influence over challenging situations at such a young age.”

Vada’s story was nominated for the Northern Lights Award by Monica Morrison, executive director at the Golden Circle.

“What has really touched us is a five-year-old girl thinking about how alone a senior will be if they have to stay in their home or apartment. Vada has a big heart, and she will go a long way in life,” says Morrison.

“We have a ‘Mengagement’ group that is very active in meeting, and the feedback from them is that some of the guys are having a tough time. There’s also the Friendship Club for women. Mental health is very challenging and hard to manage.”

Morrison says if there are any seniors out there still looking for extra support and camaraderie, to contact the Golden Circle about those groups.

When it is safe to welcome visitors to the centre again, Golden Circle staff hope to bring Vada in and introduce her to some of the people she’s supported.

Albertans are encouraged to nominate volunteers who are going above and beyond to serve their communities.

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