TIMMINS -- Entertainment service Gwen’s Friends is looking to spread some smiles in Timmins during the COVID-19 pandemic by bringing Easter cheer to the city’s streets, while practicing physical distancing.
The team of party planners originally held an ‘Easter Bunny Walk’ parade on Friday, prior to city hall declaring a state of emergency.
Now instead of touring the city, owner Matthew Harper and his wife gave passers-by a friendly wave and took selfies from a distance, at the corner of Balsam Street and Sixth Avenue to brighten some spirits.
"I try to make everybody happy," said Harper.
"This way, it gets the kids out, keeps them entertained even for a little bit. The parents get a little break, a little more sanity back."
Matthew Harper is hoping to spread some smiles in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic. April 4/2020
(Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)
As COVID-19 regulations keep families inside by cancelling events, large gatherings and non-essential services, the Harper family have become progressively more restless.
While it is important in limiting the spread of the virus, Harper said there’s still room for safe entertainment.
"Really, the kids get to see something that they can’t see all the time and if they can still see it now, why not?"
Passing residents took time to wave and snap a photo, with wide grins all around.
Jessie Blais and his wife spotted a waving Easter Bunny and Minnie Mouse while driving with their two tykes — and stopped to say hello.
"I really appreciate the initiative that they took to come and try to please the kids, it’s all about them," said Blais.
"It’s a different situation but ... it’s still a good day."
Jessie Blais and family take a safe selfie with Gwen’s Friends mascots.April 4/2020
(Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Harper said if further regulations arise that would deem the ‘drive and wave’ unsafe, then he said that would have to stop that as well.
Even then, Harper said Gwen’s Friends have plans to arrange live-streams with different characters — from Elsa, to Elmo and more.
Harper says the company will also do live birthday calls and record personal videos.
Anything to get people through these trying times and "bring home the magic again," said Harper.
