COVID piñatas provide a welcome release

Wendy Hrynkiw By: Wendy Hrynkiw Posted:

Advertisement

Advertise with us

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/01/2021 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Students at John Pritchard School on Henderson Highway recently received a special surprise — a parcel containing a COVID pinata that encouraged them to “Kick COVID” by getting outside, getting some fresh air and releasing some of the anger and frustration this pandemic has caused.
“Kicking the COVID pinata was a fun way of taking some of the power back from this deadly virus that keeps looming over us,” said Liz Loewen, a teacher at John Pritchard.
“The students laughed and were able to relieve some stress that has been building. We are continually reminding our students that there are brighter days ahead and we are soon going to turn a corner if we continue to work together.”
The pinata was made and distributed by Shannon Schultz, a former teacher, artist and the author of children’s books that encourage the celebration of children with differences.
The pinata was crafted using household items, including toilet paper rolls as the nodules on the sides  (a nice touch, since TP was such an iconic symbol of the first wave of the pandemic).
 The pinata  received by John Pritchard School contained Hershey’s Hugs, Kisses, and Lifesavers since, Schultz said, “COVID has prevented us from getting the hugs and kisses we want from loved ones.”  
There was also some birdseed inside because “this COVID stuff is for the birds,” she added.
Schultz has made nearly 40 of the pinatas and distributed them throughout the community, to Teachers, hospital staff, local businesses, even politicians.  
She said that  smashing the pinatas can help “remove anger and frustration out of your system,” and that there is a “release you feel when you break it.”
“The idea started as a therapy for adults”, Schultz added.
 She encourages everyone to make their own COVID pinatas and smash them in a safe place. She recently made one that was filled with birdseed and smashed at Birds Hill Park.
Schultz said “our common enemy is this virus, and we will have victory over it and lives will be saved”. 
Wendy Hrynkiw is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email her at wendyhrynkiw@shaw.ca

Students at John Pritchard School on Henderson Highway recently received a special surprise — a parcel containing a COVID pinata that encouraged them to “Kick COVID” by getting outside, getting some fresh air and releasing some of the anger and frustration this pandemic has caused.

“Kicking the COVID pinata was a fun way of taking some of the power back from this deadly virus that keeps looming over us,” said Liz Loewen, a teacher at John Pritchard.

Supplied photo Artist and author Shannon Schultz has made more than 40 COVID pinatas, some filled with treats and others, such as this one in Birds Hill Park, filled with birdseed. She says smashing the viral cell-shaped pinatas helps kids and adults alike release tension and frustration.
Supplied photo Artist and author Shannon Schultz has made more than 40 COVID pinatas, some filled with treats and others, such as this one in Birds Hill Park, filled with birdseed. She says smashing the viral cell-shaped pinatas helps kids and adults alike release tension and frustration.

“The students laughed and were able to relieve some stress that has been building. We are continually reminding our students that there are brighter days ahead and we are soon going to turn a corner if we continue to work together.”

The pinata was made and distributed by Shannon Schultz, a former teacher, artist and the author of children’s books that encourage the celebration of children with differences.

The pinata was crafted using household items, including toilet paper rolls as the nodules on the sides  (a nice touch, since TP was such an iconic symbol of the first wave of the pandemic).

 The pinata  received by John Pritchard School contained Hershey’s Hugs, Kisses, and Lifesavers since, Schultz said, “COVID has prevented us from getting the hugs and kisses we want from loved ones.”  

There was also some birdseed inside because “this COVID stuff is for the birds,” she added.

Schultz has made nearly 40 of the pinatas and distributed them throughout the community, to Teachers, hospital staff, local businesses, even politicians.  

She said that  smashing the pinatas can help “remove anger and frustration out of your system,” and that there is a “release you feel when you break it.”

“The idea started as a therapy for adults,” Schultz added.

 She encourages everyone to make their own COVID pinatas and smash them in a safe place. She recently made one that was filled with birdseed and smashed at Birds Hill Park.

Schultz said “our common enemy is this virus, and we will have victory over it and lives will be saved.” 

Wendy Hrynkiw is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email her at wendyhrynkiw@shaw.ca

Wendy Hrynkiw

Wendy Hrynkiw
East Kildonan community correspondent

Wendy Hrynkiw is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email her at wendyhrynkiw@shaw.ca

   Read full biography

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Report Error Submit a Tip

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Community Correspondents

LOAD MORE