With Omicron causing COVID-19 cases to surge across the province, Ontario’s frontline healthcare workers are no doubt being stretched thin as they manage increased turnover, restrictions, burnout and more. As a small token of appreciation, funeral directors from a number of Arbor Memorial branches surprised hospice and palliative care workers with a visit, bringing them sweets, pizza and notes of thanks, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Throughout the pandemic we saw our employees finding creative ways to support their communities in times of need and that’s what we’re seeing again here today with the Valentine’s Day surprise,” said Terry Eccles, Arbor’s regional director for southwestern and central Ontario. “It’s a simple gesture of appreciation for those who continue to be on the frontline, protecting and caring for the vulnerable and our communities.”

As a Canadian family-owned company, Arbor Memorial is tremendously grateful for everything our frontline workers do to keep Canadian families safe.

“Our purpose working in the bereavement profession is to help families through what can be the most difficult time in their life. This effort is aimed at acknowledging those who are doing so much to care for families and our community right now,” said Samantha Stokotelny, manager of special projects and community relations for Arbor. “It makes us so happy to bring a little joy to someone else’s day.”

The following Arbor locations were proud to participate in this initiative:

• L.G. Wallace Funeral Home in Hamilton
• Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home in Ancaster
• Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home – Robinson Chapel in Hamilton
• Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home in Burlington
• Burlington Memorial Gardens
• White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Hamilton
• Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Stoney Creek
• Lynett Funeral Home in Toronto
• Toll Funeral Home in Brantford
• Robert J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home in Kingston
• Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home - Central Chapel in Kingston
• Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home - Township Chapel in Kingston
• Burke Funeral Home in Belleville

 Arbor locations were proud to support small, local businesses in their respective communities for their gift to hospice.