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(Lindsay\222s Weldon Wildcats bring the prom to seniors at long-term care home) Lindsay's Weldon Wildcats bring the prom to seniors at long-term care home Catherine Whitnall The COVID-19 pandemic may have cancelled their prom, but I.E. Weldon Secondary School students were not about to let it do the same to dozens of nursing home residents. Caressant Care McLaughlin's 'Senior' Prom started five years ago after activities director Amber Cockburn heard about how resident Irene Blyth had missed out on her prom. The event was so well-received that Cockburn has been holding it annually, expanding to include hair and makeup, accessories, a photo booth, music and dancing. I.E. Weldon students have been helping out since 2018. "Senior prom is a great opportunity for our residents to travel back in time and relive some of their fondest memories," said activities aide Melissa Vansickler. "For some of our seniors who never had the opportunity to attend their own senior prom, this gives them perfect chance to fill in that gap." Then COVID-19 hit, barring nursing homes visitors and closing schools. Students came up with a Plan B. "We've seen so much in the news of how people are doing alternative celebrations, we thought, 'we can do that'," said teacher Pam Koekebakker. Angela Mortimer recently wrapped her first year at Carleton University, but was more than happy to get involved again. "It's definitely different this year, but I think it made it all the more important," said Mortimer. Sydney Topfer agrees. "It was still a chance to raise their spirits and ours too because the pandemic has really affected so many people in a negative way," said Topfer. On Thursday (June 11), the group paid the nursing home a physical distance visit as residents watched from inside. Dressed in graduation finery, they showed off posters they had made, then handed them and 'prom care packages' to Vansickle. "With all the restrictions in place now, it is becoming harder and harder for our seniors to feel that community connection that they so dearly love and seek out. Being able to connect with the students, even if it is from a distance, brings back that connection," said Vansickle. "We would like to thank all the students that continue to take the time to show our residents that they are loved and being thought of. This type of gesture has such a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being of our seniors, more so now when contact with family and friends is limited." Lindsay's Weldon Wildcats bring the prom to seniors at long-term care home https://www.mykawartha.com/community-story/10021551-lindsay-s-we... 1 of 1 6/15/2020, 4:19 PM