Severn Township has proclaimed January as the month of the snowman, encouraging local residents to stay active during the lockdown.
The idea is the brainchild of Ward 2 councillor Judith Cox.
“I know COVID has been really hard for everybody, and I know January and February are tough months anyway, so we came up with a challenge to see how many snowmen people can build in Severn,” Cox explained.
The township-wide event is something people of all ages and walks of life can participate in safely, Cox says.
“It's something everyone can get creative with. You can make cookies with snowmen, you can make wooden snowmen, seniors can knit a snowman sweater, you can use snowmen as an activity to keep you active in this lockdown time,” she said.
Once residents have completed their snowman creation, they are encouraged to share a photo on social media using the hashtag #MySevernSnowman.
“Everything I’ve read on Facebook has been positive, people think it’s a fantastic idea and a way to get out and do something with the kids,” Cox said.
“A friend of mine and his granddaughter made one and posted it. On a walk last week I saw one in front of a seniors home made out of three white buckets.”
Cox says the snowman month is also designed to help strengthen the community and bring people together while being asked to keep apart physically.
“The goal is to brighten spirits. Maybe it will get everyone on a street to see how many snowmen they can paste on their windows,” she said.
“Maybe it will engage neighbours in conversation when they are out for a walk, which is what this is all about: getting out and seeing people at a safe distance because it is a really hard time right now for so many people.”
As a way to keep community members involved and engaged, Severn Township is planning on a similar follow-up event in the month of February.
“We still haven’t finalized it yet, but it’s going to be all about kindness and strengthening your heart,” Cox said.
