(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

staying positive

Red Deerians encouraged to show ‘heart’ during tough times

Mar 27, 2020 | 2:13 PM

Getting through the COVID-19 pandemic is going to take a hearty community effort.

One group promoting that notion is SPARC Red Deer — SPARC standing for Strengthening Positive Assets & Resiliency in Communities.

Piggybacking off a fun initiative started by a fellow coalition in Lloydminster, SPARC is asking Red Deerians to show their community spirit by displaying hearts – whether it be in a window, or drawn on the sidewalk with chalk.

“This can give our community a new sense of purpose because all of our purposes have shifted right now,” says Denise Fredeen, SPARC Red Deer co-chair. “We want to share with our community a way to show kindness, that we do care, and that we’re able to stay connected in different ways from what we’re used to.”

(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

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Fredeen adds, “This touches on the creativity piece within our 40 developmental assets, and it also gets people outside. It’s going to be difficult going forward because playgrounds are closed, but we know when we’re active, it helps our mental health.”

At their core, the 40 assets are based on ensuring kids have the right tools to grow up in a healthy way.

“They revolve around what kids need to thrive and do well in life, and decrease risky behaviours,” says Fredeen.

“I went for a run this morning in Vanier Woods, and there were messages on the path like ‘Smile’ and ‘Show kindness,’ and I think these little things can lift you up. You never know if you’re going to make someone’s day.”

SPARC asks anyone who participates in displaying hearts to share on social media while using the hashtags #SPARCRedDeer and #PaintTheTownPositive.