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Castlegar Rotarian offers floral hugs to long-term care residents

Floral Hugs delivers arrangements to Castlegar Hospice and other care home residents
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Geri Brydon loads up to deliver Floral Hugs to care home residents. Photo: Submitted

By Nicole Verigin

Warm thoughts and well-wishes delivered in the form of cheerful floral arrangements are exactly what Geri Brydon aims to provide for local long-term care residents who may have few social connections or loved ones.

Bryden’s project, called Floral Hugs, was inspired by a similar program out of Maple ridge called Bouquets for Baba. Using that program as a model, Bryden designs and prepares beautiful floral arrangements for selected residents at Talarico Place, Castleview, Castlewood, and Castlegar Hospice. A committee of volunteers helps to deliver the arrangements to their recipients.

“I want them to know that the community is thinking about them, and that they’re not forgotten,” says Bryden as she describes her motivation for the program.

A Floral Hug destined for a local care home resident. Photo: Submitted
A Floral Hug destined for a local care home resident. Photo: Submitted

Floral Hugs launched in October 2022 as a combined effort between Bryden, the Castlegar Rotary Club, and the Castlegar Sunrise Rotary Club, of which Bryden herself is a member. While the clubs contribute funding to the program, Bryden is looking for additional corporate and individual donors and sponsors to grow this endeavour. She hopes to expand not only in Castlegar, but into neighbouring communities as well.

Donation options include: one single bouquet ($35), one bouquet per month for three months ($105), one bouquet per month for six months ($210), or any other predetermined length of time. Sponsorship recognition is available based on annual donations ranging from $100 - $1000. Any donation amount, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated.

Bryden, who also does wedding florals, enjoys the creative outlet that floral design provides her. Her Floral Hugs arrangements are low-scent and long lasting, and Bryden always includes a rose to “kick it up a notch”. She currently orders her flowers monthly through a wholesaler in Kelowna, however, she is hoping to purchase locally in the summer to support local businesses.

Bryden also acknowledges the contributions of ACE Courier Services to the project.

Upcoming fundraising events for Floral Hugs are being planned for the spring, including one in May for Mother’s Day. There will also be a focus in September on Grandparents’ Day.

Bryden can be reached at 250-608-2245 or at floralhugs22@gmail.com with any questions or to donate.

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Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
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