Florist delivers $4,000 worth of flowers to long-term care facilities

MONTREAL (CITYNEWS) – A Montreal florist who was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic is giving back in a big way.

Florist Myriam Binette is donating $4,000 worth of flowers to “red zone” long-term care facilities, where most of Quebec’s fatalities have taken place.

It’s the exact amount her flower shop Binette et Filles made in sales over the last month.

“Today we have 125 bouquets, and yesterday we had about 75 bouquets,” said Binette. “It’s a way to say thanks, a big thanks.”

Binette started working at the flower shop in Montreal’s Jean-Talon Market 50 years ago with her father.

“It’s the first time the Market is closed for Mother’s Day weekend,” she said. “I never remember the market closed for this day.”

Meanwhile in Montreal’s east end, Mario Lento is finding his own way of spreading joy on Mother’s Day – while still respecting physical distancing rules and guidelines.

Lento, a singer, drove down to his mother’s seniors residence and serenaded her outside.

“I just want to sing for my mom and for the rest of the people that I know,” said Lento. “So I said, let’s go and have them smile and sing along with me.”

Lento has been singing in restaurants for over 20 years. He says there’s nothing like music to help make this year’s celebration unlike any other.

“I think that’s the only way,” he said. “Apart from phoning them. It’s important. And it’s even harder because here we can see them. They can come outside, but we have to keep our six-foot distance. We have to put a mask. She has to put a mask.

“It’s even harder because you got her in front of you and you cannot hug her.”