DENVER -- We know that even a small act of kindness can have a big impact on people. 7Everyday Heroes Ginny Krause and Susan Keene are proof of that.
The two sisters make special deliveries that celebrate life. Keene and Krause are the founders of the non-profit Flowers with Intention.
"Three years ago our father passed away. And a lot of people sent flower arrangements to the church. And we just looked around and thought, wouldn't it be great if we could share this love?" Keene said.
"We said 'Oh, we should do funeral flowers and deliver them to people in nursing homes,'" Krause said.
Repurposing funeral flowers is nothing new, but Krause and Keene take time to re-design the arrangements.
"Because the flowers look like a casket spray. They look like funeral flowers," Keene said.
"So, people will say: 'Who died?' Well, that's not very uplifting. We want to brighten people's day with these flowers and so we take the funeral flowers and we disassemble them. And then they look much happier and it's a whole new purpose for those flowers," added Krause.
Flowers with Intention recently repurposed many of the flowers from Adams County Deputy Heath Gumm's funeral.
Keene and Krause see their volunteer work as a way to honor those who have passed while celebrating life with others. They repeatedly visit a half dozen retirement centers, like Western Hills Health Care Center in Lakewood.
"The residents love it! It's just amazing to watch. It is great for the residents and it's great for the staff. And they're a part of our family at Western Hills and we couldn't be more proud of them," said Amy Goeglein, Executive Director of Western Hills Health Care Center.
They've made an even bigger impact after partnering with Horan and McConaty.
"We have now delivered nearly 900," Keene said.
"900 arrangements. In a year and a half," Krause said.
And they do it all with a smile on their face, year-round.
"It is just a constant cycle of love coming from these two ladies. The consistency, dedication and devotion is always there. I think they are two of the most giving, big hearted ladies I know," said Michael Gold of Horan & McConaty.
To learn more about Flowers with Intention, look for the group on Facebook.
Mitch Jelniker anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a 7Everyday Hero here.
