It’s a sign of progress the vaccine clinic at the Cobourg Community Centre has moved into the gym on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
The mass vaccination centre has been in operation at the Cobourg Community Centre since March 15, 2021.
Paul Allen has been one of the main organizers since the clinic opened and said there are a few reasons for the move.
“We finished our clinic yesterday (Saturday). To allow the Community Centre to put in ice to get ready for the Fall season, we felt it was time to make the move.”
It was “moving day” Sunday, as volunteers, Rotarians, a number of Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health staff along with Cobourg Community Centre staff moving items from The Bowl and will be using one side of the gymnasium.
All the equipment was moved to the new location.
“We’ll continue to do a clinic in much the same fashion in the gym as we were on the floor of The Bowl.”
The average number of people using the clinic ranges from 200-400 people a day which is about half of the number that was taking place in March.
“Of those, about half are appointments and half are walk-ins.”
The number of volunteers has exceeded 500 which continues to amaze organizers.
“It was really refreshing, because about three or four weeks ago we put out a call. We felt that things were getting a little bit stale and people were wearing thin. Losing interest, going back to work and their cottages.”
From that call-out 100 more volunteers came on board.
“It’s been great because they brought new energy into the program and it’s kind of rejuvenated everybody.”
Allen said, “Rotary has lead the charge, and they’ve done a great job in doing that, but it’s the general public, the people that just want to get out there and do things from the community, that have really made this such a success.”
One item in The Bowl that every volunteer holds close to their hearts are the sticky-notes posted on the glass surrounding the rink area with messages from people who have received the vaccine.
“It’s very emotional when you take the time to read them. The comments range a lot from how they feel to what the volunteers have done for them.”
Being on-board from the start along with Gord Ley and others in a leadership role, Allen said, “like any project you take on, you know the value of it and you take it on for a reason.”
“It’s been a lot of fun. Met a lot of great new people.”
Then adds, with a smile behind his mask, “there wasn’t much we could be doing right now anyways.”
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
