Meaford is putting its volunteer fire department into service to help kids feel special on their birthdays as emergency orders due to COVID-19 prevent normal parties.
An online service has launched to allow parents to file a request to have the Meaford Fire Department do a home drive-by “birthday salute” with their trucks, bells and whistles to celebrate a child's special day.
The provincial government's emergency order prohibiting public events and social gatherings of more than five people has left any children celebrating birthdays during the state of emergency, unable to hold a traditional party to mark the occasion.
Residents are asked to provide 48 hours notice for requests to be accommodated.
In a release, the municipal staff say in an event where the fire services team may be called upon to assist in an emergency, a drive-by will be postponed.