In so many different ways, our Casa Bambini family has shown the generosity and kindness that will see us through to the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.
There would be few people in Australia unaffected by the social distancing and self-isolation measures that have been put in place for our own protection and safety but we are all in this together, and learning how to adjust to the new normal.
By keeping our centres open we’re helping in the fight so that those with jobs and in particular essential workers on the frontline in health care, teaching and emergency services, can continue to work.
South Plympton
At our South Plympton centre, children and staff have been busily occupied writing messages of hope and positivity on love hearts that are now displayed at the entry. And to spread the word about kindness, hope and courage, our staff created a video that has been shared on our facebook page.
Seacliff
At Casa Bambini Seacliff many of our children have had to cancel birthday parties and when you haven’t notched up many years that can be a huge disappointment. So, our educators are putting together Happy Birthday Packages so that every child who has a birthday, whether they are in the centre or at home, knows that they are special, we care and we’re celebrating with them, even if it’s from a distance.
It’s so important that in the midst of this battle, we remember that childhood should be a time of innocence, laughter and joy.
Coburg
That’s why educators at our Coburg centre have gone wild with chalk, joining the #rainbowtrail on the footpath outside and brightening the window with #bearhunt teddies, rainbows and hearts.
It’s put a smile on the faces of children as they arrive each morning and the many others who pass by on their daily walk.
Essendon
And you can picture the squeals of utter delight when children walked into our Essendon centre the day after its rainbow makeover. Hundreds of coloured streamers were hung from the ceiling, there were rainbow signboards to greet them and brightly coloured balloons on the fence.
That really is the magic of children. They remind us all that there is always something to smile about in even the darkest of times.
What are you doing to spread kindness and show others that you are thinking of them at this time? We’d love to hear your stories.