Members of the public are invited to celebrate 2020 grads while supporting the Foothills Country Hospice with a splash of colour on their cars this spring.
Koreen Macleod, who has a daughter graduating from Holy Trinity Academy in June, wanted to bring a touch of joy to the 2020 grads in the Foothills knowing their graduation ceremonies and galas were being cancelled.
"These kids have had everything cancelled on them, and it's hard. It's a roller-coaster of emotion," said Macleod. "They really are missing out on so much."
She thought a vehicle decal would acknowledge grads and show community love and support for them as they struggle with sudden changes to the end of their high school career.
Many are having a hard time with a lack of closure and the solidarity felt at graduation ceremonies, she said.
"This is a way for the entire community to come together and show these kids we're here with them, supporting them, think about them," said Macleod.
Working with Julie Boake at Awedity Creative, she modelled the decal after the Fort McMurray Strong stickers from the fires of 2016, which were made in the shape of the Province of Alberta. The decals say "2020 Grad" in splashes of colour to pop and catch peoples' eyes in the community, she said.
Printing of the 800 decals was done by Okotoks Tinting and Macleod said she couldn't have pulled it off without the help of local businesses that pulled together and provided services at little to no cost, so she could donate all proceeds to the Foothills Country Hospice.
The 4-inch by 2.5-inch decals are available for $3.50 each, and Macleod hopes to sell out and be able to send more than $2,000 to the hospice.
"They are such a worthy organization in our community," she said.
It's a charity near and dear to her family's heart, as they have had family members live out their last days in other hospices. They know how important a place like the Foothills Country Hospice can be for those who are ill and their families.
"This is an easy way to give back and also celebrate our graduates," said Macleod.
Though the initiative is starting out in the Foothills, she said it would be great to see the decals out in the wider community as well, because all Alberta grads are facing the same sense of loss.
To place an order or for more information, email Macleod at [email protected] or visit her on Facebook, or through Instagram at grad2020ab.
