Rivers of Kindness Run Deep in Trois Rivieres!

After a fantastic weekend in Quebec City, playing tourists, Jean and I were both hesitant to leave the historic capital behind, but excited to move onto new terrain. The drive to Trois Riveires was a visually pleasing one, with old houses dotting the highway side and little towns and villages, each one complete with an old church and steeple, clustered in the distance. Quebec is much more than just it’s big cities and European-esque life-style. Jean and I quickly found this out once we had reached the quaint city of 130,000 folks, in Trois Rivieries.

View from my hotel room!

So the original plan for all of the Quebec Delta hotels was to participate in a Blood Drive in partnership with Hema Quebec. However, due to some scheduling issues the folks at the Delta Trois-Rivieres were left to come-up with a event both fun, impactful and close to their hearts. And did they ever! We arrived early at a local children’s park on the day of the event, to begin setting-up what was to be a children’s paradise (and one for Jean and I too).

The Delta Trois-Rivieres had decided to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society in offering a fun-filled day of games and entertainment, along with some education and a healthy, but yummy lunch. When Jean and I arrived, to our delight, the giant inflatable bouncy toy had been prepared and was standing empty! In order to ensure that this massive and potentially dangerous toy would not crush the small and delicate children, Jean and I took many turns in ensuring its safety. Once we were satisfied we decided to let the children have a turn. I think they loved it almost as much as we did!

Quality Control!

The day was organized into small groups of children, from a local day camp, rotating through different stations. One was the inflatable toy, the other was a water park, and the next was an information tent run by the Canadian Cancer Society Cowboy Guillaume, who would entertain and teach the children about sun safety. After a couple of hours of fun we were ready to serve the little ones lunch. They all lined up politely to receive plates of vegetables, wraps, cheese, salads and fruit. It was delicious and we all knew it by the sudden satisfied silence of munching mouths in the park. However, in no time they were back at it and having a blast.

Lunch time!

There is something about hanging out with kids for a day that makes everything seem fun. Jean and I couldn’t resist the temptation of swinging in the park and playing on the monkey bars. By two o’clock, just like the kids, we were pooped and ready to head inside and out of the heat. After a couple of hours of rest (playing is soooo hard!) we were escorted to a fantastic restaurant by the amazing management team at the Delta Trois-Rivieries. After some great food, great conversation and amazing wine, I was once again smitten by this Quebec town. Not surprising since I have loved them all.

Playing!

This was Jeans final event, which is just a reminder to me of how fast time is going by. I have one more region and then I return home to my “normal” non-celebrity style life. I am almost ready to return to those who I miss whole-heartedly back home, but not until I have explored the uniqueness that is the Atlantic region of Canada. Next stop, New Brunswick!

Jean being Jean! Hehe!

Suzanne