Earl Grey School students have been spreading cheer to personal care home residents and staff on a daily basis.

One day in late November, Earl Grey teacher Catherine Tattersall and her Grades 2 and 3 students walked a few blocks to The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg to wave at the seniors and staff.

That one act of kindness became a daily habit, with Tattersall and her students waving at Convalescent Home residents and staff every day at 1:45 p.m.

“I remember watching the news and seeing a musician who would stand outside a senior’s home and play the violin,” Tattersall said.

“I thought ‘Oh my goodness, we could walk and wave.’  And now the students have taken ownership of it.”

On Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m., Earl Grey students made an extra special visit to Convalescent Home. Escorted by a Winnipeg Police Service vehicle, the students pulled a wagon full of After Eight mint chocolates to the care home to gift to the residents and staff.

In addition to waving and hand heart gestures, the students did a charming choregraphed dance to You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.

Convalescent Home is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, so its residents weren’t able to come to the windows on Dec. 17. However, staff members showed their appreciation to the students by waving back and pressing pictures of pink hearts up against the windows.

“They have to stay in their rooms and they don’t get to see anyone,” said Maggie, a Grade 2 student.

“I think it’s fun to do this for them. They sent us a message that said we are their bright lights.”

Willow, a Grade 3 student, said she really feels for the residents of Convalescent Home.

“They only get to see their families over Zoom and some have poor vision so they can’t read book or watch television,” Willow said.

Sherry Heppner, development coordinator at Convalescent Home, said Earl Grey’s visits have been absolutely heartwarming.  

“It just lifts our hearts and spirits. I want to cry about it,” Heppner said. “It’s a tough slug right now when you’re losing lives and trying so hard to save everyone. To know that the community cares and rallies around you, it means the absolute world to us.”