On 8 May 2020, countries in Europe celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day and commemorate the end of World War II.
With things being very different at the moment and the usual festivities could not go ahead, S4B scheme manager at Elizabeth Yarwood Court in Brunswick, Donna Shaw, came up with the wonderful idea of making up ration style goodie bags for older residents in the neighbourhood.
In true ‘knock-a-door run’ style to keep in line with social distancing rules, Donna delivered goodie bags to sixteen areas of Brunswick. The bags were filled with little cakes, biscuits, dried noodles or rice, sandwich paste, a little note book to replicate a ration book and an S4B pen and cup.
Donna said: “I would normally have arranged a special party with all the trimmings to celebrate in style, but unfortunately with the way things are this just was not possible but felt I needed to do something.
I arranged ration bags for the residents at Elizabeth Yarwood Court and my grandson picked names out of a hat for other older residents in the neighbourhood to receive the rest.
I just hope they enjoyed them and lightened the mood of what we are all going through right now and a reminder of their experience of the end of WW2″
Resident Julie (pictured) said: “This was a lovely gesture and really can’t thank Donna enough for putting a smile on my face, especially as I am missing my husband. I can’t visit him right now due to the virus and used to see him everyday in the care home – this was such a wonderful thing to do and a lovely surprise, thank you Donna”.
Do you have story to tell or a special memory to share from during the second world war, or how you managed to celebrate VE Day during lock-down 2020?
If so we’d love to hear from you – please get in touch T: 0300 55 0128.
Or you can share your story on social media not forgetting to tag us #s4bmanchester #VEDay #VE75 or send us your pics via email here.
If you or anyone you know are struggling during this difficult time, please do get in touch – we are here to help, T: 0300 555 0128. Don’t forget we are #InThisTogether.