Dad delivers early Christmas gifts, food to daughter in quarantine at Queen's University in Kingston
As Kingston’s case numbers remain high, the health region continues to be the worst in the country for COVID-19.
With thousands of people in quarantine, under mandatory contact isolation requirements, it means some families will be hundreds of kilometres apart for Christmas this year.
Those like the Buckberrough’s.
Michael Buckberrough drove up from Toronto to bring his daughter her gifts ahead of the holidays. Using his day off, for what would be a seven-hour round trip altogether, bringing her stocking, buying her food, and picking out a small Christmas tree to drop off outside her house.
Buckberrough says it’s about providing all the essentials for the big day.
"I am delivering my daughter's Christmas stocking and all her gifts and a whole bunch of food to cheer up her residence because she is stuck in Kingston. Potato’s, a turkey, a stuffed turkey," he says in an interview with CTV News Ottawa. "She can’t cook like her mother can so you gotta get the pre-made stuff so you can just throw it in the oven.”
Amy Buckberrough, a fourth-year Queen’s University student, is in quarantine after being in close contact with a case of COVID-19.
Usually, Buckberrough says, Christmas would be getting together at the cottage, eating meals together, laughing and exchanging gifts.
Buckberrough says it's worth the trip.
"May as well make sure my daughter has the best Christmas experience she can have. We love her. We want her to not feel alone," he says.
Dropping off items on her doorstep, while she remains inside with two doors between them is as close as Buckberrough will get, to ensure they’re following all health guidelines.
Amy says she’ll spend Christmas virtually with her family, deciding to focus on the positive.
“There are so many families who aren’t able to see their loved ones, even this close, and there are so many families that don’t have anything. So I think we just have to cherish what we do have,” she says.
But as the far-apart goodbyes are exchanged, the good spirits, quickly give way to the reality of the situation.
"Sure would be nice to grab a hug right about now, but that’s not possible. It’s unfair to everybody else," says Michael Buckberrough.
As he prepares to make the long drive back alone, father and daughter, just hoping next year they’ll be together.
"It is what it is. It’s better than nothing like I said earlier but it’s what everyone has to do. Enough’s enough, right? Enough’s enough," he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.