Life beginning to return to normal, but caution still needed

Young children are getting their first COVID-19 vaccination and other groups are getting boosters.

86 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated. We’ve come a long way from 2020, but we still need caution to stay safe and healthy over the holidays.

Flamborough Connects’ board of directors is meeting in person for the first time in 21 months for our December board meeting. We will be wearing masks and providing proof of vaccination in line with City of Hamilton and Flamborough Connects’ policies. We are looking forward to seeing each other again.

Our Flamborough Youth Empowerment team will be meeting to help wrap Holiday Gift Program presents — and they too will be wearing masks and following safety protocols.

We had hoped to hold our annual Waterdown Library and Seniors Recreation Centre — Staff and Volunteer Holiday Coffee Break, but the event does not fit with city safety policies. We are disappointed because we had really hoped to greet and thank the volunteers who have given back so much over the last 21 months.

We also understand it’s not worth the risk for a cup of coffee and holiday treat.

Many Flamborough Connects volunteer board directors and program volunteers — like so many local organizations and non-profits that function with the support of volunteers — started their work during the pandemic. They were recruited virtually, interviewed by Zoom, oriented, trained and began their work without ever personally meeting the staff or clients they support.

I am looking forward to the near future when we can meet and have a cup of coffee with the behind the scenes workforce that has kept Flamborough Connects productive and engaged throughout the pandemic.

This community, province and country owes a huge debt to the volunteers who have toiled behind the scenes to ensure non-profit services and programs continue to support the most vulnerable.

While planning your holiday gatherings with friends and family, continue to put your safety and those you will be with first. If we are a little more caution now, we can ensure the provincial goal of lifting all COVID protocols by March 2022 is a success.

View this article in the Hamilton Spectator here!