'Mudder got her chips': Volunteers team up to bring music, and fries, to seniors

A St. John's-based tech company brought the goods to theBonaventureRetirement Homeon Tuesday, and a popular food truck to deliver it.

Staff at Verafin, which develops programs to identify and halt financial crimes, enlistedZiggyPeelgood's a staple food truck for the downtown and Churchill Square areas to serve up french fries for residents of thepersonal-care home.

They even brought their own band, situated outside with ample physical distancing.

Scott Maloney, aVerafinmanager and member of the Veracares committee, said organizers were moved by a prior CBC story in which a resident said her wish was for a plate of chips when the COVID-19 pandemic was over.

"We heard about this and we jumped to the task. Ziggy's was on board. So we figured we'd bring some music and Mudder got her chips," Maloney said.

"Mudder," as she's known by Verafin employees, is Bridgette Richards, 84. Richards spoke with CBC News in early Juneabout life inside a personal-care home duringCOVID-19, and restrictions on visits from family and friends.

On Tuesday, Richards was delighted to have her wish granted.

"It was good. It's a break. It's a break from inside. It was good and the food is good. I enjoyed the chips," Richards said.

"I enjoy all this. It was good, and it was good that you did it. Thank you very much."

Richards is no stranger to Verafin, according to Maloney.

"We've been calling her ['Mudder']for years. We have a pretty good relationship with Bonaventure. We come down here four or five times a year for different events," said Maloney.

"It's a lot of fun. We really enjoy coming here and helping out the seniors."

Regulation change

Earlier this month,the provincial governmenteased public health restrictions involving long-term care and nursing homes.

The change meansone family member isnow allowed to set foot inside the facilities for visitation. The change came three months after the government put a stop to in-person visitswithout a window as a barrier,to help protect the highest-risk population from COVID-19.

Richards said it was difficult to pick just one family member, but has had a steady stream of familycome through to see her through the facility's window in the last number of weeks.

"Just to make sure I'm still here," she said with a laugh.

Some came from as far away as Grand Falls-Windsor, roughly 400 kilometres west of St. John's.

"I found it hard to pick one, because I've got a few too many."

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