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