A group of people in 91原创 still found a way to celebrate soon-to-be parents of a baby girl during COVID-19.
About 50 vehicles took to the streets on Sunday with signs that read 鈥渃ongratulations Melissa and Derek鈥� and 鈥渨elcome baby girl鈥� in celebration of a new life.
The couple is expecting to welcome their baby girl mid June, Melissa鈥檚 grandmother Lori Wright told the 91原创 Advance Times.
鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 have asked for a better day filled with so much love,鈥� she said. 鈥淧eople from Richmond, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Merritt arrived. This shows the love we have for our family.鈥�
Melissa was especially surprised to have her grandparents from Merrit make the drive down for the occasion.
鈥淲ith COVID, this day also brought people out of their homes which made everyone feel great 鈥� gave them something to look forward to,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淚t was much needed by so many. Having the drive by parade, also kept everyone at a safe distance. All precautions were taken to ensure everyone鈥檚 safety.鈥�
READ MORE: 鈥業 don鈥檛 know how teachers do it鈥�: a thank you to 91原创 essential workers
The parade started at Alice Brown Elementary just before 1 p.m. led by an ambulance and trailed by several trucks and cars decorated with pink balloons and streamers.
The idea for the physically-distanced celebration came from Melissa鈥檚 older sister Deanna, her husband Ray, grandmother Wright, and mom Bonnie.
鈥淭hey (Melissa and Derek) knew there was going to be a celebration, but nothing to this magnitude,鈥� said Wright. 鈥淸We were] overwhelmed on how many family and friends came to show their love to the couple.鈥�
Parades have been a common practice amid COVID-19 for members of the community to stay connected while maintaining social distance.
91原创 School District has hosted several car parades or rallies since April in an effort to engage with students and families.
READ MORE: 91原创 mayors prepare to 鈥榮afely open up鈥� amid COVID-19 pandemic
But parades could be a thing of the past.
On Wednesday, officials unveiled 鈥淏C鈥檚 Restart Plan鈥� as they get set to ease restrictions.
91原创 mayors are scheduled to meet with council on Monday to determine what they means for the City and Township.
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .
