‘Thanks 4 masking’ Kelowna woman joins pro-science rally, decorates vehicle with call to support one another

A Kelowna woman is encouraging others to support one another by decorating her vehicle with different messages than those shown at recent anti-restriction rallies.

“Thanks 4 masking” and “true Canadians care for one another,” are written in bold letters on her vehicle and she plans to drive it in Kelowna’s downtown this morning, Feb. 13.

In the last few weeks, protests against COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions have been ongoing across the country.

In the Okanagan, protesters have driven vehicles from Vernon to the Osoyoos border and rallies have been held in cities. Some have started leaving negative reviews at Clos du Soleil, a Keremeos winery that provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has a minor stake in.

The main route to the Pacific Highway border crossing in Surrey was closed yesterday after protesters opposing vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 measures broke through RCMP barricades and began driving the wrong way down 176 Street.

READ MORE: Bonnie Henry fans, supporters respond to social media attack on her winery

“I think that a lot of us who have been doing the work to be vaccinated and masked and social distanced, we’re all feeling very frustrated right now with the aggression from the other side,” said Kelowna resident Joelle Wolf. “Every time I see a Canadian flag now I cringe and I feel like that’s really sad and the idea that I see it when I drop my kids off at school and when I go to the grocery store, it feels all encompassing.”

Wolf wanted to do something to support people who are feeling hopeless.

“It feels really isolating especially when we’re sitting at home and not talking to people… I want to direct it to the people I appreciate doing the right thing. We’re all tired of mandates but there are those of us who are sticking with it because we believe in taking care of others and those are true Canadian values.”

A pro-science rally is being held today in Kelowna’s downtown at 11 a.m., she said. The main organizer is healthcare worker David Crawford, who has been holding counter protests promoting science since the anti-restriction and anti-mask rallies in the city began.

"I'm just one person but I want to get the message out there that not everyone feels this way," Wolf said.

READ MORE: Kelowna man opposing anti-mask rallies happy to see others join the cause

Wolf and her children will be handing out flowers today and tomorrow around 11 a.m., she said.

– With files from The Canadian Press

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