Three generations of Newmarket’s Matthew family are all doing their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community and keep their neighbours' spirits high at the same time.
Debbie Matthew, a grandmother who lives in the Quaker Hill neighbourhood with her daughter, Teran, and granddaughter Aliviah, 3, said she started the Facebook group A Million Little Things Matter on March 20 to share heart-warming stories during this stressful time of self-isolation and social distancing, where people are urged to stay at home as much as possible and maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others when out in the community for necessities.
“I was sitting here trying to think of a way to help cheer up the neighbourhood and the community,” Matthew said, of the news cycle that pumps out a seemingly endless string of grim stories about the fast-growing rates of infection and hoarding. “I’m trying to motivate and influence a positive outlook in an unfavourable time and to encourage our community with stories that touch our hearts and keep us in good spirits.”
The social media group now has more than 40 members, and Newmarket residents are beginning to post photos of signs they’ve made and affixed outside their homes with positive messages to passersby, such as “Stay strong, from our house to yours”.
Matthew also encourages members to write positive images and words outside their homes with sidewalk chalk to put a smile on a neighbour’s face.
One local resident, Jacqui Holmes, did just that. She drew a picture on her driveway of a mushroom surrounded by flowers, with fairy wings on top, and posted a photo of herself laying down, wings at her back, while soaking up the sun on the weekend and reading a book.
“I hope it catches on and that lots of people contribute their uplifting stories and images to the site,” said Matthew. “It’s a good reminder that it’s not all negative out there, there are positive things happening. We’re all in this together.”
Matthew and her daughter and granddaughter are all healthy and are practising social distancing to help prevent the spread of the respiratory illness. They only go out in the community to pick up the essentials and stopped going to the playground about three weeks ago.
“It’s stressful, but we’re managing,” she said. “We do things to pass the time, cleaning is No. 1. I’m very cautious and a bit of a germophobe. I walk the dog around the block and I do go out for walks to get some fresh air. I’ve been keeping my granddaughter out of the play yards for about three weeks now because of the virus.”
To help young Aliviah wash her hands for the recommended 20 seconds, Matthew and daughter Teran came up with a song that is sung to Row, Row, Row, Your Boat.
It goes like this:
Wash, wash, wash your hands, wash them all day long
Mix the water and the soap until the germs are gone
Scrub, scrub, scrub your fingers and all inbetween
Make the bubbles scare the germs, they really are so mean
Wash, wash, wash your hands, wash them all day long
Tell your family and your friends to wash and sing along
“Aliviah’s been doing good, she’s got two verses down so far,” the proud grandmother said.
“It’s important to stay positive and have a good outlook on the situation,” said Matthew. “I think the community really needs this.”
Matthew was one of several Newmarket residents who questioned why playgrounds that have equipment were not closed down to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Town of Newmarket on March 20 closed all playgrounds and outdoor parks with fitness equipment until further notice, although NewmarketToday observed some families just yesterday continuing to spend time there.
If you have a heart-warming story to share or need a boost of positivity, visit A Million Little Things Matter on Facebook.
