Neighbours get together (apart) for worker salute

Clapping for essential workers while practising social distancing, standing 2m apart, are...
Clapping for essential workers while practising social distancing, standing 2m apart, are Waverley neighbours (from left) Renna Idrus, Peiter Du Plessis, Jacqui Whibley, Pauline Hockney, Jeanette Robinson-Tromop, Craig Whibley, Sophie Whibley, Eva Speizer, Cam Fraser (15), Tracey Fraser and Jim Mann. Note: All were safe distances apart, the telescopic lens used results in making everyone appear closer, as does the ocean. PHOTO: CHRISTINE O’CONNOR
A group of Waverley residents came together to show their appreciation for essential workers — through clapping.

About 20 Harbour Heights residents took part in a New Zealand-wide initiative called Clap for our Champions yesterday.

The initiative involved residents standing in their driveways, doorsteps, gardens or balconies and acknowledging essential workers working through lockdown -— including those in healthcare, supermarkets, truckers and rubbish collectors - through clapping.

Harbour Heights resident Jacqui Whibley said the street clap was organised through a WhatsApp messaging group, which had been set up for the street about a week ago, for the street to support each other through the lockdown.

"There’s 21 people in the group. Each person is representative of a house on the street.

"One of the ladies on our street thought it would be nice to have a group so we could communicate and help each other if anyone needs anything."

A member of the group suggested the Clap for Champions event, and on Saturday night and again last night about 20 of the street’s residents had taken part.

"We had a couple and their dog, a family, someone on their own, our own family, everyone came together."

She said the neighbours came out to the front of their properties, waved, chatted from a distance and clapped for one minute, then went back inside.

"Some people might not have gone out all day except for this.

"It’s a way to show appreciation for those people who are working really hard right now.

"We are planning to continue doing it."

Mrs Whibley said the cul-de-sac street had come together since the lockdown.

"It’s a nice way to be part of a community.

"It does make people feel less alone at a time like this when we can’t leave our homes."

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement