It was a touching artistic gift from students of Peacock Collegiate to a resident who will no longer be calling Moose Jaw home.

Just before the school year ended, a 72-year-old Valley View Centre resident named Kenny received a Coca-Cola themed piece of art just before he goes to Regina to live in his new group home this summer.

Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said it was a great gift for a resident who was transitioning away from Moose Jaw. 

“I thought it was absolutely amazing that the students took time,” he said. “I know it’s a busy time of year for students and teachers, but it just goes to show how inclusive Moose Jaw has been over the years and continues to be for some of the former residents, and some of the current residents that are still at Valley View.”

He said he saw the gift and the look on Kenny’s face saw amazing to see.

“They made sure that person felt welcome,” Merriman said.

Merriman was at the Centre last weekend for a family picnic.

“Just talking to the former staff and former family members, and current family members, all of them are very much expressing gratitude for the way that this was handled by the government, by the community (and) by the residents to be able to transition them into the next phase of their life.”

As of now, there are 16 residents remaining and they'll be leaving by the end of the year.