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Ponoka County resident writes messages of hope

Spreading kindness, not germs
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Photos from a post on Renee Griffiths’s Facebook page. Photos from a post on Renee Griffiths’s Facebook page. Photos used with permission

During a time when people are self-isolating to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Ponoka County resident Renee Griffiths wanted to spread a little joy to her neighbours, through uplifting messages in the snow.

Griffiths posted photos and a video of her handi-work to her Facebook page on March 24.

Using bright colours of spray paint, she wrote messages in the ditch for about half a mile along the range road leading up to her property, encouraging kindness and self-care.

“I just decided I wanted to reach out to my neighbours in a fun way … just to cheer them up,” said Griffiths in an interview March 25.

Retired, Griffiths already spends most of her time at home. Her daughter, who has special needs, has recently started living with her and they have been practicing social distancing since the COVID-19 situation began.

Griffiths says in these scary times, she just wanted her neighbours to know she’s thinking of them and that she’s there for them.

“I think there’s nothing better than trying to brighten someone’s day,” said Griffiths, adding you never know what impact an act of kindness may have on someone else.

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Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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