After being left stranded without power during a snowstorm, the Campbell family managed to find a place to stay in time to give the Shuswap its first baby of 2020.
Arriving on Friday, Jan. 3, at 9:48 a.m. at Shuswap Lake General Hospital (SLGH), Sydney Rose Margaret Campbell was born to Toni and Scott Campbell of Salmon Arm.
On New Year’s Eve, the family was left stranded at home without power due to a fallen tree that blocked access to their property. The family, their three dogs and one toddler broke trail through nearly a metre of fresh snow so Toni could stay somewhere close to the hospital.
Read more: First 2020 baby for Interior Health born in Kelowna
Read more: B.C.’s first baby of 2020 arrives in New Westminster
The toddler, three-year-old Robson Campbell, was pleased to be a brother but still getting used to the idea.
“He’s pretty happy, a little reluctant this morning just because he knows that she’s fragile. He’s not four yet so he’s just trying to be cautious,” Scott said.
“He looked like a much bigger kid when he walked into the room today somehow.”
The family did not have a gender reveal party for Sydney, choosing to share the information with their family instead of an Instagram following.
Read more: Vernon hospital delivers New Year’s baby to Lake Country couple
Read more: What are the most popular baby names in B.C. in 2019?
Sydney’s middle names were given in honour of her great grandmother Margaret Pohl and great aunt Marjorie Shurey of Vernon. Her first name, however, comes from her parents’ and grandparents’ close connection to the game of hockey.
Toni’s father worked as a Zamboni driver for the Calgary Flames and her mother worked at Saddledome for the same team.
Scott has worked in hockey for 15 years as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Sicamous Eagles and a college hockey team in Alberta.
Read more: Swimmers to give 2020 a cold start at Canoe Beach polar bear swim
Read more: 2019 B.C. New Year’s baby born in New Westminster
“We’re just big hockey fans so she’s named after Sidney Crosby, our Olympic golden champion,” Scott said.
The family would like to thank Dr. Stacey Kirkman, nurses, and staff at SLGH and the Vernon Hospice for their exceptional care, kindness and support.
Looking back on the last few days, Scott said, “My wife is the strongest, most wonderful person in the world.”
@CameronJHT
Cameron.thomson@saobserver.net
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
