Community Comes Together For Cobourg Boy’s Birthday During COVID-19 Crisis

In Community, Editor Choice

For a Cobourg boy who turned three on Friday, March 27, 2020 celebrating a birthday was difficult this year due to COVID-19.

But through social media, the help of family, friends and even strangers, it was one that Gryphon Maloney will remember for a lifetime.

With “social distancing” in effect for the near future, having friends over was out of the question, but when Gryphon’s mother, Rachel saw a video from the United States about vehicles driving by, she knew that was the birthday she and her husband Sean wanted for their son.

On Friday, at 4:30 p.m., the family sat at the edge of the driveway in chairs, with Gryphon and his brothers, Eddie (age 5) and Henry (age 7) by his side.

One by one, vehicle after vehicle drove by in Cobourg’s west end. Some with ribbons and balloons, some playing music for the celebration. Even a Cobourg fire truck and Northumberland OPP cruiser went by with lights and sirens activated.

Rachel said, “it was really heartwarming because everyone is reaching out. We’ve had so many people show up and reached out. It’s been nice during this difficult time.”

“It’s very memorable. For all of us.”

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Champion Athlete Frank Mazza Dies in Peterborough

Acclaimed wheelchair athlete Frank Mazza, a member of the first group of inductees into the Cobourg and District Sports

Read More...

Video – Photo Gallery – Port Hope’s Annual Candlelight Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAQnzIbtArU It was a beautiful evening for Port Hope’s annual Candlelight Festival on Friday, November 28, 2025. Adding to the celebration

Read More...

Video – Photo Gallery – Windy Weather Hits Northumberland County

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFz4Us72EJY It was a wild and windy day on Thursday, November 27, 2025 in the Northumberland County area and beyond. Although

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu