There were big smiles all around when members of the CU and UO Smile clubs at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa came to the General and Civic campuses of The Ottawa Hospital on Valentine’s Day. Wearing masks and staying at least six feet apart, these university students delivered 400 roses to front-line staff.
“Our clubs have taken part in more than 150 initiatives over the past few years, but it's difficult times like these where we feel like a little kindness means so much more,” said Omar Al-Dib, a member of the CU Smile club. “We felt that nobody deserves that kindness more than the hardest working people in our city—those at the frontline.”
“It is a great honour to receive the rose. It feels great knowing that you are appreciated,” said Swabra Mohamed, a Registered Nurse at The Ottawa Hospital. “On behalf of my colleagues, thank you.”
“We always try to do whatever we can, whether big or small, to bring a smile to someone’s face in our community,” added Taylor Chamoun El-Helou, a member of UO Smile club. “At the same time, by hosting fun events we try to get students engaged in an attempt to reduce their stress.”
This wasn’t the first time the CU and UO Smile clubs have teamed up to show their appreciation for front-line staff. In June 2020, they led “Operation Frontline Feeders” where they prepared and delivered lunch bags with handwritten thank you messages to staff at The Ottawa Hospital’s Riverside, Civic and General campuses to thank them for everything they’ve been doing and the hours they’ve been putting in to keep us all safe.
This Valentine’s Day is one the hospital staff won’t soon forget.
“We wanted to put a smile on their faces and brighten their day this Valentine’s”
“These roses are a small token of our love and gratitude for all the work hospital staff have done throughout this pandemic,” said Omar. “We’re so glad we could put a smile on their faces and brighten their day this Valentine’s.”
It’s safe to say that Operation: A Token of Love was a big success.
