Giving the gift of a drive-by birthday party

By Kaitlyn Clark

The Haldimand Press

Some volunteers decorate their vehicles for the viewing pleasure of those they drive by, such as Michelle, shown above, who covered her car in signs and balloons. Regardless of decorations, all volunteers help spread some much-needed birthday cheer.

DUNNVILLE—While individuals are on lockdown to practise social distancing and self-isolation, the world keeps turning and the days keep passing – including birthdays. Local resident Steph Best recognized this is especially disappointing for children who have had to cancel their birthday plans with friends and extended family, so she decided to give them a different kind of celebration.

Best went to Facebook to recruit volunteers for birthday parades, in which people drive by the home of the birthday boy or girl with signs, balloons, and plenty of cheers for a Happy Birthday. The child is able to watch safely from their window, door, or lawn, and the volunteers stay in their own vehicles to keep proper social distancing. With everything organized online, there’s no need for anyone to meet face-to-face when planning the parades.