Delicious Delectables Delivered in a Clever and Careful Fashion
MaryAnn Sealey of Saskatoon, SK, didn’t let COVID-19 stop her from giving back to her community.
The 88-year-old loves to bake because it’s something she enjoys and has the time to do. She has baked, and volunteered her time for numerous organizations and projects which strive to help others; CHOP AND CHAT, Str8 Up, nursing homes and for her church, St. Martins United.
MaryAnn’s baked goods, ready for delivery.
“The carrot cake with lots of cream cheese icing is a favourite and banana bread with butterscotch chips. They like the butter tarts also. I mark all the baking and note that there are no nuts in anything in case of allergies. I have one man at Chop and Chat lunches who loves this as he is allergic to nuts,” says MaryAnn.
When COVID hit, MaryAnn took all the recommended precautions. She stayed inside and avoided social interactions. She continued to bake, but adapted a delivery system, without having to leave her second-floor condo or people having to come to her.
“At first when I started doing this it was easy, I just pitched the parcels down into the snow to be picked up,” says MaryAnn.
MaryAnn slowly lowers her baked goods off of her second-floor condo in Saskatoon, SK.
When the snow disappeared, MaryAnn devised a new way to deliver the baked goods, safely to the pick-up person on the ground floor.
MaryAnn continues to slowly lower her baked goods.
After searching for items she had in her home, she came up with the idea of using a long walking stick with a bag attached by a long piece of heavy twine.
MaryAnn’s baked goods land safely in the hands of the pick-up person and delivered.
Once she lowers it over the edge, when it gets to the bottom, the person unties it and gets it to where it needs to go.
MaryAnn loves her system because it still allows her to do her part while keeping herself safe. Now, with restrictions lifting, she does venture out of the house but wears a mask and latex gloves.
“At my age of 88, I am at risk and also do not want to put anyone else at risk so it is the natural thing to do,” says MaryAnn
MaryAnn says COVID-19 has made her aware of how interconnected we are in this world and how much we depend on each other. She appreciates the people who are out there serving and helping in the world and does what she can to help organizations and charities make a difference. She has been a long time donor to The Salvation Army.
“I remember my father-in-law, who was a First World War veteran, telling the story of his years in the army. He said the Salvation Army was always there for them and was so much appreciated. That is why we give,” says MaryAnn.
If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or click HERE. If you would like to be like MaryAnn and help bring food to those in need, you can support our family food drive. For just $60, you can feed two families for a day. Whether it’s for the single parent who just lost their job or a senior who must choose between food and rent, you will make a difference in the lives of our neighbours in need.
Feed hungry families today at SalvationArmy.ca/FoodDrive
#GivingHopeToday #EveryoneNeedsAnArmy
