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COVID-19: Messages of support and positivity pop up around Vancouver Island

Community created amid social distancing, isolation measures
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Lenny Ross was out walking in Saanich when they spotted a mother and her two daughters putting up motivational signs in the neighbourhood. “As I watched them I thought about the advice Mr. Rogers gave on how to bring comfort to young children during scary times,” Ross said. “He said whenever there are disasters or times of great strife there are also the wonderful helpers who emerge from our communities to assist others in need.” (Courtesy of Lenny Ross)

If people are going to be at home doing arts and crafts anyway, they might as well show the love.

A Vancouver Island woman is calling on the community to consider heart-themed window art during COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation.

RELATED: Vancouver Island family’s sidewalk chalk messages lift spirits in a time of social distancing

“Its just to show that we are all together, that we have love for each other, because it’s such a sad time right now,” said Nanaimo resident Leasa Riglin.

She’s been asking her social media friends, neighbours and even local businesses to think about putting hearts up in their front windows, and she has been heartened by the response, with people messaging her every day sending pictures and videos.

Some look at it as a craft idea to keep restless kids occupied.

“To me, it’s more than just a craft, it’s more about the support of each other,” Riglin said. “Everybody has said what a wonderful idea this is, how it’s brightened them up, how they’ve seen seniors be happy to see it.”

Riglin certainly isn’t alone in her efforts

As the world takes isolation and distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many Vancouver Island residents are finding their own ways to support and encourage their communities.

Here are some signs, stands and more that Victorians are using to keep spirits high.

— with files from Black Press

READ MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE HERE

Angela Smith-Rolfe snapped a picture of a woman and her stand on Third Street. The sign reads, 'Take Only What You Need, We're all in this together.' "I don't know the name of this young lady...but I was brought to tears by the compassion and kindness of this table of supplies she had put outside her apartment," Smith-Rolfe said. "May it bring out the kindness in us all? How true that we are all in this together." (Courtesy of Angela Smith-Rolfe)

Tess Weaver said many staff at a Greater Victoria Save-On-Foods became emotional after a nurse from a nearby hospital came by and wrote a message on the sidewalk outside the store. 'Thanks Save-On staff, we [love] you,' the message reads. "I don’t know who it was but it was lovely," Weaver said. (Courtesy of Tess Weaver)

Outside Fry's Bakery (one person in at a time) from r/VictoriaBC

Lovely Sidewalk chalk message :) from r/VictoriaBC

At Dallas Rd - It’s gonna be alright! from r/VictoriaBC



nina.grossman@blackpress.ca

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