News

Easter Bunny sparks joy

April 23rd, 2019

The Easter Bunny paid a sweet visit to residents of Points West Living Stettler on April 16. Everyone got a chance to hug or shake paws, and receive a chocolate egg. Inevitably, when the Easter Bunny appeared around a corner, residents and employee care partners would give a look of surprise, then a big smile, followed by laughter.

Sheer joy

“Some residents got teary, and expressed that they haven’t seen the Easter Bunny since they were kids,” says Recreation Therapist Lisa Smith. “Sheer joy was evident on all of the faces.”

Exactly what she needed

One resident was returning from a difficult appointment when she and her daughter stepped off the elevator, right into the arms of the Easter Bunny. “She broke into a huge grin and gave him the biggest and tightest hug, like he was the best thing she’d see all year,” says Lisa. “Her daughter said how perfect the timing of that exchange was and that it was exactly what her mom needed at that moment.”

He'll be back...

“The Easter Bunny says that he was truly moved by the experience and the impact he could have on the residents,” adds Lisa. And through his agents, local residents Jackie and Rick Shoemaker, he is committed to try to make a PWL visit happen every year.

Photo: Resident Ella Bailey shares a moment with the Easter Bunny on his April 16 visit to PWL Stettler.

More photos at Flickr: Easter Bunny sparks joy