Dad surprises 4-year-old with FedEx birthday parade amid pandemic

"I had to do something to make up for it."

April 1, 2020, 3:55 PM

A 4-year-old jumped for joy as a fleet of FedEx trucks paraded through her neighborhood after her birthday party was canceled due to the novel coronavirus shutdown.

Ian Oliver, a 10-year employee with FedEx, planned the March 24 surprise for his daughter Ava.

"To a 4-year-old, they really know it's their birthday -- she was into it," Oliver of Brook Park, Ohio, told "Good Morning America." "It made me feel bad, she's such a good kid. I had to do something to make up for it."

A 4-year-old named Ava jumped for joy as a fleet of FedEx trucks paraded through her Ohio, neighborhood after her birthday party was canceled due to the novel coronavirus shutdown.
Ashley Sarago

Since FedEx is considered an essential business, Oliver is still working while Ava and her mom, Ashley Sarago, follow stay-at-home orders.

"A lot of our drivers are going out to do 150 to 200 stops per day," Oliver said. "It's kind of scary we have to be out here as much as we are while a lot of people are at home."

A 4-year-old named Ava Oliver jumped for joy as a fleet of FedEx trucks paraded through her Ohio neighborhood after her birthday party was canceled due to the novel coronavirus shutdown.
Ashley Sarago

"You forget about that for a moment because you're making a little girl happy."

Because of the COVID-19 crisis, Ava's party was canceled to ensure the safety of loved ones.

Ian Oliver, a 10-year employee with FedEx and a Brook Park, Ohio, resident, planned the March 24 surprise for his daughter Ava, 4.
Ashley Sarago

Oliver then gathered 10 of his FedEx colleagues to ride down the street to celebrate Ava.

Mom Ashley recorded Ava's over-the-moon reaction. Ava was so thrilled she even took a little spill.

A 4-year-old named Ava Oliver jumped for joy as a fleet of FedEx trucks paraded through her Ohio neighborhood after her birthday party was canceled due to the novel coronavirus shutdown.
Ashley Sarago

"I was surprised she was that excited," Oliver said.

The family hopes to reschedule Ava's party once it's safe to do so.

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