THUNDER BAY – Public health recommendations on social distancing have seen much of the city’s social life suspended, with many people spending more time inside their homes. But one Thunder Bay neighbourhood is finding creative ways to bring people together – metaphorically, at least.
Nancy Murray, a resident of the city’s East end, organized a “Stuffy Saturday” to get kids out of the house and put smiles on neighbourhood faces, while maintaining physical distancing.
Through personal connections, mail drops, and Facebook posts, Murray asked area residents to put stuffed animals on display in windows and front porches Saturday afternoon. A number of houses, and at least one local business, joined in on the idea, giving families the chance to go on a stuffy hunt.
A registered massage therapist, Murray has had to close her practice and is now staying home with her young children, who said they haven’t minded the break from school so far.
Murray is looking for ways to keep them from spending too much time on electronic devices, and to continue their learning while school is out. The stuffy hunt was inspired by her daughters’ love of a certain familiar children’s character, and allowed Lily, who is in Kindergarten, to practice her counting and colours.
“I just thought it would be a great way to get my kids out of the house,” she said. “They love the Where’s Waldo books, so I thought this would be super fun. I made a little tally sheet so they could count the different-coloured teddy bears, get them off electronics, and make this a happy time.”
Murray posted her homemade tally sheets on a neighbourhood Facebook page so other families could follow along. It’s one simple way for neighbours to stay connected and bring joy to children who are missing schoolmate and play dates, Murray said.
“When you see a teddy bear, you just think of happiness, right? It just brings joy to people.”
Early Saturday afternoon, Murray was assembled with her family, preparing for the hunt. Lily had put a large bear named Sparkles on display. Several neighbours, who had put out bears of their own, came out to say hello – from a safe distance, of course.
Murray is challenging Thunder Bay residents in other neighbourhoods to follow her lead, or find other creative ways to bring people together through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before embarking on their hunt, Murray’s daughters shared some advice on dealing with the situation.
“Stay home and be safe,” they said.
“And wash our hands!” the two chimed, in unison.
