Community groups in Winnipeg and across Manitoba connecting using window art

To connect to their communities while practicing social distancing, households have been finding creative ways to "find joy" at home.

Communities in Winnipeg and across the province are banding together to show while that they may be inside, people are also thinking of their neighbours during this time.

Winnipeg Window Gallery's Facebook Group creator Maggie Cox says that she started the group to help kids stay busy and give them a reason to take walks outside. She is a student-teacher in the city and says that other teachers have reached out to her and are encouraging their students to take walks to find window art.

"It is a really good way of connecting," Cox says. "I love seeing everyone participating."

Cox has seen hundreds of people post their photos and many other community groups participating.

"I am away from my students because my classes have been cancelled. It is nice to see kids putting up their stuff and finding joy as they are stuck at home."

Niverville is hosting a themed Neighbourhood Hunt for the three weeks students are off of school ranging from "Spring Fun" to "Easter Eggs." Chantel Todd says that she came up with the idea of the scavenger hunt because she wanted children to still be able to have fun outside despite not being able to play in parks.

"I cannot believe how much it exploded on Facebook," Todd says. "It is super exciting to see everyone be positive in such a stressful time."

In other communities, people are ringing their doorbells at the same time, shooting off fireworks, or making chalk drawings.