Ray of hope: Kamloops residents create rainbow project for isolated children

Residents in the Westsyde neighbourhood of Kamloops are creating a colourful way to stay connected during COVID-19 isolation.

A post made on the Westsyde Facebook group encouraged the neighbourhood to create rainbows to display near their homes, so that when children walk around the neighbourhood they can ‘hunt’ for the hopeful signs.

Niki Bone is one of the Westsyde residents who quickly jumped on board with the idea to create a rainbow and display it in her window. Now, the former print shop owner is offering stacks of unused coloured paper for others to come and collect for free.

“I figured, I don't need it, our kids loved the coloured paper through the years when they were little, so I thought someone else will love it,” Bone says. “Throughout this whole period it gives kids something to look for.”

The rainbows are also displayed in chalk, with one large message reading “Stay Connected” on a roadway.

Bone says she is self-isolating because she is a healthcare worker, and wants to keep herself and others safe. She, like many others, still enjoys walking around her neighbourhood and saw a number of rainbows displayed last night.

“I've seen a few when I was walking my dog yesterday, and I take a fairly simple route.”

The papers sit beneath weights outside of Bone’s home, and the sheets are free for the taking. She encourages safe handling practices, and reminds people to take what they touch.

“I’ve had probably about ten people come now, and the first lady who came her little girl left me a roll of toilet paper, which was so cool. I don't need it, but the gesture was so cool,” Bone says. “I love this community.”

You can grab some paper for your own rainbow project by visiting 3251 Westsyde Road.

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