Driver turned "Covid Cupid" to spread love in the Comox Valley

JD Ludlow, aka the The Flowerman, is quickly reaching legend status in the Comox Valley, with his latest adventure centered on spreading some joy and love for Valentine’s Day! Dressed as a slightly more bohemian version of Cupid (thankfully wearing more clothes than the original), JD used an out-of-service BC Transit bus and generous donations from places near and far to put smiles on a lot of faces.

For one day only, the usual Flowerman moniker was replaced, and JD spent the day playing Covid Cupid. He had a small team of volunteers and his trusty musicians belting out love songs as he moved throughout the Comox Valley with chocolates, flowers and dog treats for unsuspecting residents and their pets. He also brilliantly used an oversized bow to deliver flowers, so he could keep his physical distance along with his usual charm.

Along with random strangers benefitting from a Covid Cupid visit, there were some key planned destinations as well. The gang went to the hospital to greet patients and staff, dropped by a mental health support agency operated by Island Health and paid a visit to Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird and Councilors.

“It was such an amazing day with dear friends and strangers, but one of the highlights was a group of children in daycare that came by,” said JD Ludlow. “They loved the Cupid get-up and flowers. Plus the chocolates, of course.”

Along with generating copious warm and fuzzies, Covid Cupid also collected donations, with more than $800 kindly donated. Net proceeds will go directly to the Comox Valley Transition Society. Mental health support is near and dear to JD Ludlow, who has overcome his own challenges to become the shining example of community that he is.