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Canterbury Court celebrates Canada

The walls of Canterbury Court in Vernon are lined with red and white symbols of Canadian pride
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Jean Ferguson (left), Carol Potter, Heather James, Maxine Harrop, Heather James, and Ann Checkley are proud of the 150 Things We Love About Canada display they helped curate at Canterbury Court, June 22. (Parker Crook/Morning Star)

The walls of Canterbury Court in Vernon are lined with red and white symbols of Canadian pride leading up to Canada’s 150th birthday.

A wall in the back corner adjacent the dining hall stands out from the rest of the elaborate decoration. From halfway up the wall to the ceiling, nearly 150 decorative, red maple leafs made of card paper stretch across the length of wall.

Upon closer inspection, words and phrases cover the faces of the leaves, telling tales of Canada’s rich beauty, including everything under the sun from Saskatchewan’s meadowlarks to personal anecdotes, and it’s all part of Canterbury Court’s 150 Things We Love About Canada display.

“It was slow getting started,”says Heather James, an activity worker at Canterbury, adding that the project began taking shape in the spring.

As James speaks, three Canterbury residents dressed in white slacks and red tops are sitting near the display chatting with smiles on their faces.

“We’ve done quite a few things in house,” James says. “It’s been fun.”

Maxine Harrop pauses from her conversation with Carole Potter and Jean Ferguson.

“We just cracked the whip and away we went,” Harrop says of the project.

The exhibit, headed by James, represents the nuances of Canadian life that Canterbury residents love.

“I know how patriotic these residents are, and I wanted to find a way to celebrate their knowledge,” James says. “Their input is so interesting.”

Canterbury Court is home to several war veterans, and James’s team put wreaths on display to honour their efforts.

“They very much appreciate what Canada is,” James says. “We really enjoy doing Canada based activities. I think just to celebrate experience, celebrate their history as well as Canada’s.”

As James, Ferguson, Harrop, and Potter talk about the approaching celebrations, Ann Checkley, who is also dressed in white slacks and a red shirt, joins them as they make their way to the display.

They’re beaming with pride as they stand in front of the display, both of work they have all helped to accomplish, and of their country.