A retirement home in the city’s east end is about to be lit up with some Christmas cheer and at a time it is needed most.
This Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Barrie Manor Enhanced Care Retirement on Blake Street will be lit up with the power of more than 2,000 Christmas bulbs.
The retirement home’s community relations manager, Diana Boyes, told BarrieToday it is quite an emotional time at the home and everyone is very excited to see the display go up.
“I can’t even really put into words what this means to us," she said. "In the best of years, this would have been very appreciated; with the way 2020 has been, it's got some of us tearing up."
Boyes said that the home has 85 residents and, due to underlying mobility conditions, some of them won’t be able to make it outside to see the lights.
“We’ll get tons of pictures and videos for those who can’t come outside, but we think it will be an enjoyable experience all around,” she said. “Even for our neighbours, we hope they enjoy walking or driving by this huge display.”
The whole thing was orchestrated by Shack Shine owner Brandon Rea.
Rea’s company deals with exterior house cleaning and, during the holiday season, setting up lights. After working on Barrie Manor’s building he realized there was an opportunity to give back to the community that he services.
“We have the lights, it wasn’t even a question in our heads,” said Rea. “COVID has really hurt many retirement homes and there is fear and loneliness everywhere this year, it's the least we can do.”
When the switch is flipped Thursday evening, Rea hopes it brings joy to not just the residents of Barrie Manor, but also of the community that surrounds the building at 340 Blake St.
“I’ve noticed a lot more lights up this year compared to other years,” said Rea. “Just driving around, it is completely noticeable. I hope the people in the Johnson and Grove (street) area enjoy these lights during the holiday season as much as the people at Barrie Manor will.”
Anyone who stops in the area to watch the lighting is asked to maintain physical distancing and wear a mask.
