A group of stroke victims have planted 150 tulip bulbs outside Vernon Jubilee Hospital as a small showcase next year marking Canada's 150th birthday. And, an Okanagan company is hoping to grow some national pride in Vernon and Salmon Arm.
Planters, including one man in a wheelchair, got busy with planting bulbs by the south entrance of the hospital’s Jubilee building on Thursday.
“They worked with the hospital to arrange this because the hospital is an important piece of their life,” said Chantelle Fairbrother of the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. “So they are out here on this cold day, planting these tulip bulbs, working around their challenges.
“(They) are managing to get the job done and really just wanted to show people that there is life after stroke, that you can learn new things even if it has been 20 years after you've had a stroke,” Fairbrother said.
Family members also took part in the effort which should turn into a colourful red and white display next spring.
"They are really focussing on a lasting memory for the community to show that they can do these things and that people who have had a stroke are able to get out and give back to the community."
Meanwhile, Okanagan Restoration Services is distributing 1000 'Canada 150' tulips bulbs to 20 corporate partners in Armstrong, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Sorrento and Vernon.
The Canada 150 tulip’s elegant white bloom with red flames bears a striking resemblance to the maple leaf flag. The tulip comes from the Netherlands.
“We love where we live and work, so the opportunity to celebrate a milestone in Canada’s history with our business partners was a good thing to undertake,” said Kevin Rothwell , community relations manager for the restoration firm.