A group of Richmondites has grown closer after a mother of an 18-month-old toddler started sharing her vast collection of children’s books with her neighbours in July.
However, her generosity has also meant the ongoing sanitization of books and insisting parents maintain social distance.
In addition to lending kids’ books, Vicky Ma, who lives in a townhouse complex on Ferndale Rd, also sets her daughter’s playhouse and various toys outside their front door to allow other children in the neighourhood to enjoy.
“It’s a really beautiful thing to see children accompanied by their parents reading or playing outside, breathing the fresh air and feeling the sun on their skin,” said Ma, who worked as an instructor at the University of Calgary before returning to Richmond for her maternity leave.
This has also required frequent cleaning and sanitizing, however she believes it is more than worth it.
“I hope my baby girl Vivienne can make good friends in the local community by sharing toys and books with her neighbours,” said Ma, who has similar memories growing up.
“And buying books is too expensive nowadays, and I hope this gesture can save people some money,” Ma added.
But it’s not only children who are enjoying each other’s company, parents are also connecting, albeit at a safe distance.
“I clearly remember the first day I brought toys and books outside. Parents and their children were relaxing and having fun together,” said Ma.
To encourage more children to read books, Ma even created a WeChat group to ask parents to share their kids’ reading progress via photos. Children who read for 15 days straight will be given a star. Those who collect the most stars by the end of the year will receive a gift from Ma during Christmas time.
The WeChat page is now filled with sweet family interactions.
“There are pictures of brothers reading to their sisters, mothers reading to kids before bed and parents reading books to kids around the campfire. These photos are simply adorable,” said Ma.
