This year’s Alberta Corrections Week looked different in Red Deer.
Usually during the annual event, Red Deer corrections staff speak with the public and highlight what they do in their day-to-day jobs.
“So there may be demonstrations, there may be tours, promos. And this year, because of COVID-19, we decided to take a different angle,” said Kurt Zinkan, director at the Red Deer Remand Centre.
On Wednesday, staff from the Red Deer Remand Centre and Red Deer Community Corrections visited four senior care facilities: Extendicare Michener Hill, Bethany Care Society, Villa Marie Covenant Care and Revera Inglewood.
The staff brought signed cards and flowers for Red Deer seniors and left them outside the doors of each of the facilities, while also providing a brief presentation for Corrections Week.
“Because of the worldwide pandemic, the hardest-hit population are seniors so we decided to redirect our attention to them and send some messages to them that ‘we’re here’ and ‘we’re thinking about you.’ ‘We are in it together and this will come to an end,’” explained Zinkan.
Brett Kendrick, administrator at Michener Hill, said the gesture is extra special, as the centre is celebrating 10 years.
Kendrick said the past six months have been unique for the staff, as well as residents due to COVID-19.
“It’s nice to see these pieces of humanity coming out and making it better again to recognize one another and see people connect in a safe way,” said Kendrick.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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