The people of Moose Jaw are being asked to “Show Their Hearts” to help welcome the CF Snowbirds back home Monday.
Last week, on the West Coast leg of their cross Canada tour dubbed “Operation Inspiration”, one of the Snowbirds planes crashed, killing Captain Jenn Casey.
Honourary Colonel Lisa Franks says the “Show Your Heart” campaign, comes after a very tough week for the Snowbirds, and the country.
“The Snowbirds will be arriving Monday afternoon, and we thought it would be great if we could get the community to make large hearts or other creative displays that can be seen from the air,” said Franks.
Franks says people can draw the big hearts with sidewalk chalk, or any other creative way they can think of. The Moose Jaw Fire Department, Police Service, and Moose Jaw and District Paramedics, will be making a static display of vehicles in the shape of a heart at the Exhibition grounds.
The Wakamow Valley Authority is also mowing a big heart at the bottom of 4th Avenue South.
Franks adds that the Snowbirds have always been there for the community, now it’s the community’s turn to return the favour.
“The Snowbirds go out and put on these huge displays of teamwork and expertise for us,” said Franks. “Now, it’s a chance for the community to show them something that they can admire and hopefully appreciate and feel the support.”
In a statement released by the family of Capt. Casey, they say that anyone wanting to contribute flowers, should donate instead to their local SPCA, plant a couple of trees in her honour, or donate to their local food bank.
They add that people that aren’t in a position to be able to display a big heart, “can simply kick back on their deck, crack open a local brew and turn the volume up on The Tragically Hip in her memory.”
The Snowbirds are scheduled to arrive in Moose Jaw between 2:30- 3:00 pm Monday afternoon. A more precise time will be shared Monday morning.
