Local jeweller designs bee pendant in tribute of Dr. Bonnie Henry
Posted June 6, 2020 12:58 pm.
Last Updated June 6, 2020 1:10 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A fundraiser created in honour of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has launched, hoping to provide some relief for women in the Downtown Eastside.
Melissa Caron is a jeweller and says she reached out to Henry, who is a long-time client, to create a tribute piece with all proceeds going to WISH Drop-In Centre Society.
Caron created two bee pendants called “Bonnie’s Bees”, and says she got the idea from another bee necklace she crafted years ago that Henry often wears.
“Several people have been sending me photos of her [Bonnie] during her news briefings [and] she’s been wearing one of my carved pendants,” Caron says.
“I had an idea of creating another bee in honour of her, — inspired by her as well — because she has so wonderfully guided all of us through the COVID-19 … pandemic.”
There will be two pendants available, a larger bee named “Bonnie Bee,” and a smaller bee called “Little Honey.”
“The larger bee has a beautiful filigree and the wings and people can have their choice of gemstones in the eyes,” she tells NEWS 1130.
On the designer’s site, she says the “The bee symbolizes life, community and personal power. My hope is people will wear this bee in solidarity with one another as a representation of kindness and compassion for their neighbour and community.”
The funds will be sent to the WISH Drop-In Centre Society who will provide food, clothing, and educational programs for vulnerable women.
-With files from Nikitha Martins
