More seniors were able to receive flowers this summer and fall in Grande Prairie, thanks to the local business community (Photo: Gypsy Blooms Flower Truck / Facebook)

By Shane Clausing

Gypsy Blooms Flower Truck

Grande Prairie businesses step up to keep flower donations rolling

Oct 18, 2020 | 7:00 AM

Following the lead of RB Oilfield Hauling, the owner of Gypsy Bloom Flower Truck says the Grande Prairie business community has kept her busy with flower donations to local seniors’ homes and even a school this summer and fall.

Back in August, residents of the Wildrose Manor in Grande Prairie received a very special surprise when the truck showed up at the home with flowers for all of its residents to pick out.

The special delivery was courtesy of Rene Blais and RB Oilfield Hauling, which was used as a way to give a gift to seniors who are going through a rough time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, many area business people and companies have taken advantage of the Flower Truck, as a way to give back to seniors, and the community.

“I have done my eighth seniors community today (Friday), which is so amazing,” said Joline Willsey, the owner of Gypsy Blooms. “I did one in September and it was actually for the teachers at École Montrose School, and that was amazing to just kind of spread the love to the teachers, because they are definitely going through a challenging time.”

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Willsey added that there’s been over eight companies within the Grande Prairie area that have stepped up to donate flowers to seniors and teachers.

Those include Rene Blais from RB Oilfield Hauling (x2), Greg and Brett Shillington from ReMax, Barda Equipment, Friesen Bain LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, Dobko & Wheaton, DRL Mechanical, Rees N.D.T Inspection Services, Insurely.ca, Dr. Andre Gaultier, Alastair Bain, Scott Lissoway Discovery Financial Group, Kevin Szakacs HiTech Business Solutions and Jason Sawatzky Bama Furniture.

She says that most of the flowers that were given out to the seniors this year were locally grown right in Grande Prairie and there were some popular options among the recipients.

“The flowers change with the season, so in the summer I would says the peonies are an extremely popular flower in the summer and then getting into the fall, the sunflowers are really busy, which has actually been really great, because with the peonies and sunflowers, I’ve actually been able to support a few local growers here in Grande Prairie.”

Willsey says that she has one more delivery next week and then she will be done for the year with deliveries.

While she’ll be finished with her deliveries for the year, she’s says the response by businesses has been nice to see.

“I have been surprised, especially how it’s a pay it forward type of thing. I’ve been surprised by how many companies have wanted to continue on with generosity for the seniors.

“I grew up in the Peace Country, so I do know how generous the local businesses can be. It has been so great to see these businesses step forward.”