Durban North residents write messages of hope on pavements
The idea was inspired by Tracy Jones, whose husband is an essential service provider.
AS the nationwide lockdown enters its third week, keeping millions of South Africans indoors, a few Durban North residents have started creative ways to show community support for essential service workers during the lockdown.
Residents of Burnside Place have begun writing words and messages of hope using chalk on the pavements outside their driveways and in some cases, their walls.
The idea was inspired by Tracy Jones, whose husband is an essential service worker.
“Really it was a way to thank not only him, but other essential workers like our doctors and nurses and to put out the message to stay safe. Because I have young children I had access to lots of different coloured chalk sticks. My children and I drew a rainbow on our driveway with the word ‘Hope’ on it. It was a great way for my children to be involved,” she said.
“We’re just sending some messages to our local heroes that are serving us during the quarantine. What has been promising to see is how this has been replicated in other neighbourhoods in the area and how the message is spreading. At a time like this, where social interaction is impossible, we felt this was one way to show those essential workers how much they mean to us,” Jones said.
Northglen News also spoke to other residents on the cul-de-sac who were all involved in the community project. Kim and Vicki Van Wyk explained even though they didn’t have children they wanted to get involved.
“We hadn’t seen our neighbours in weeks but we felt this was a such a great project and to see those messages of hope is extremely uplifting. When Tracy messaged on our road WhatsApp group we jumped at the chance to get involved even though we don’t have any children of our own. We borrowed some chalk and drew our own message down on the pavement,” Vicki said.
The Bromley family echoed the sentiments of their neighbours.
“I think the messages of love and stay safe were important to us, not just a family but as a community as well. This has certainly brought us closer as neighbours,” daughter Hannah Bromley said.
Her father, Stuart, also praised the idea of using chalks to brighten up their driveway entrances.
“There aren’t many activities you can do as a family indoors but this was great. We woke up one morning with a message from Tracy challenging us to do our own and this has been a great experience given the circumstances we find ourselves in,” he said.
The Sykes family said the exercise had also helped them over Easter.
“It’s been awesome doing something as a family for our community. Easter time is a special time for us especially about keeping the faith and believing we will beat this together,” Lauren Sykes said.
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