SUDBURY -- With so many people consuming social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, one couple with ties to Greater Sudbury is seizing the opportunity to bring a smile to the massive global audience.

This week, Mark Leslie Lefebvre and Liz Anderson released a parody on YouTube of the old K-Tel television commercials. They hope people will get a kick out of their original lyrics and find a little joy during the pandemic.

"For us, it is about putting something positive out there that allows a bit of a mind shift," said Anderson, an elementary school principal in Waterloo.

"I talk a lot to my staff about a mind shift that needs to happen during this time -- that we acknowledge what is happening in our world, but also look for the opportunities that are out there and look at all the positives that have come out of it."

The couple said they've been talking about doing a creative project whenever they found the time. Now with the pandemic forcing people to stay home, it was the perfect opportunity.

"It's obviously a laugh -- it's a funny sort of bit to watch," said Lefebvre, who grew up in Levack. "But we wanted to also tell the story, because we think it's important that people need to kind of collaborate and work together. And hopefully we can spread some laughter while we're kind of putting out a bit of a story or a message."

The project pushed both Anderson and Lefebvre out of their comfort zones.

"I'm not usually ever in front of the camera and I'm actually quite awkward sometimes being the centre of attention," said Anderson. "So this was a bit of a shift for me to then take the role in front of the camera. So it took a little bit of convincing. But once we got started and on a role, it was a lot of fun to do.

"We only grow when we experience discomfort … That is an unfortunate reality, but we do grow the most when we have those little nudges. So when you take that bit of a leap, it's amazing what you can achieve."

She says it's a message she will share with her staff and students when schools finally reopen.

Although the project was a way for the couple to connect, get creative and have fun, it also brought a lot of laughter and joy to family, friends and strangers.

"Everyone is filled with anxiety and worry and concern," Lefebvre said. "If we can at least help people to bring at least one smile to their day, then in my mind, that's a success."

Lefebvre and Anderson's video can be found here.