Front line staff working at Boundary Trails Health Centre were treated to coffee and donuts Thursday as a 'thank-you' for their hard work and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abe Bergen, chair of the Southern Health-Sante Sud Board of Directors, says members wanted to demonstrate a concrete show of support for healthcare workers at the facility between Winkler and Morden as they continue to function in a high-stress environment, meeting the needs of the community. In fact, they are paying visits to various health centres in the region.

"Those folks work hard. They work extra shifts for colleagues who need to self-isolate, they're facing high-stress stuff in caring for COVID-19 patients and the impact that has on families, and so we brought a little cheer to the hospital," he explained, adding before the afternoon was done he had an email of gratitude from one of the staff.

As the delegation made its way through all of the departments within the health centre, Bergen says it was clear that staff had their noses to the grindstone and head in the books doing their work.

He was asked how the community at-large can further support their local healthcare workers.

"We have really great communities, there's the occasional voice that seems to counter that, but by and large I think we want to reflect that let's just stick with what Dr. Roussin is telling us," said Bergen. "Most people are doing that and they know that's what needs to be done for their friends, neighbours and family. We'll get through this and we'll get through it together."

The group also dropped off treats for staff at Winkler's personal care home, Salem Home, and while restrictions wouldn't allow them to go inside, Bergen says they left the goodies with staff at the door.

He noted personal donations, and support from Tim Hortons and Access Credit Union helped make this gesture possible.