There’s a lot of fear, stress, and uncertainty in the world right now. We could all do with a little levity and kindness.
Lighten your day with this collection of good news stories, funny moments, creative endeavours, and general thoughtfulness from the London, ON area from the past few days.
The Surprise Pizza Delivery
An anonymous donor ensured those at My Sister’s Place were well-fed on Monday, March 23, while also supporting a local business, Byron Pizza.
City Hall Schoolin’
On Monday, March 23, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Jesse Helmer used Facebook Live to hold an online civics class for London students at home. He went over what services the city provides, decision-making processes, and much more, all while encouraging kids to ask lots of questions.
Making It Easier to Support Local Eateries
Londoner Sameer Vasta created a map of local, independent takeout options to help support local businesses.
Suggestions or updates can be sent via Twitter @vasta.
Don’t Go Extinct
Local photographer Svenja Christina and her husband had some fun reminding Londoners to stay home and practice social distancing.
Saying Goodnight
London band Westminster Park released a new song – I Guess It’s Goodnight — inspired by the recent social distancing practices.
In the words of songwriter, Steve Murphy, “I wrote this song when the self-isolation started about a week ago… about what we do to endure rough times and push forward to the other side. I needed a song, but it hadn’t been written yet… so I wrote it…”
Heritage at Home
Despite being closed due to COVID-19, several local museums and heritage sites are sharing behind the scenes secrets with online museum tours and videos of educational activities to do at home.
The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is streaming live on Facebook at 10 am and 1 pm Monday to Friday providing activities and tutorials on basket weaving, pottery, underwater archaeology, and more.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is streaming live on Facebook at 11 am and 3 pm Monday to Friday. Keep the kids occupied while they learn something new with stories and activities!
You can find other museums participating by following the hashtag #MuseumsFromHome.
From Bandanas to Masks
Local maker, Monica Keane, owner of Bandanas4Pups, has switched from making dog accessories to making washable face masks and donating them to vulnerable populations and health care workers to help with the shortage.
Singing in Harmony – Virtually
London’s All City Choir held its first virtual practice on Monday, March 23. While many regularly scheduled activities have been cancelled or postponed, technology is allowing Londoners to continue to connect.
Feeding the Frontline
The Root Cellar, an organic eatery in the heart of Old East Village, has started a Community Supported Organic Meal Program to provide fresh food to frontline healthcare & social service workers.
As of Monday, March 23, Londoners have donated 400 meals!
London Artists Live on Your Device
London Arts Council has partnered with the London Free Press to present London Arts Live Online. Each day, several local artists and musicians are performing live on Facebook, providing a source of income to local artists and entertainment to those urged to stay home.
And finally…
Thank You Messages Abound
Real Talk: We owe a million thank yous to frontline workers and those who are working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.
Thank you to the health care workers, grocery store workers, mail carriers, delivery people, pharmacists, maintenance workers, farmers, truckers, IT staff, and so, so many more.
Thank yous are popping up on sidewalks in chalk, on lawn signs, on doors. Have you put up a thank you sign?
Do you have a local good news story we should highlight?
Let us know in the comments.
Feature Image Courtesy of London Health Sciences Centre.
