A Regina dad is starting to garner attention across the country for his sense of humor, spreading joy during a time of limited social interaction caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
For the past two weeks, Graeme Parsons, a father of two, has been sharing daily dad jokes on a whiteboard at the end of his driveway in the city’s Uplands neighbourhood.
“It’s a crazy world we’re living in right now and there is so much negative all over social media and through the media. It’s a way to start brightening the days of people walking by in my neighbourhood,” Parsons said.
He said the response has been overwhelming.
“It’s been absolutely amazing; it’s been extremely positive. Everybody in the neighbourhood, I see them walking by day after day coming in to check the sign,” Parsons said.
“There’s people taking pictures of it, sending it to their parents who don’t live here.”
His daily jokes are becoming so popular,-Parsons has taken his efforts to Instagram.
“It was my wife’s idea to help share this message with family and friends who don’t actually live here,” Parsons said. “Since that point, it’s kind of blown up coast-to-coast.
“Everywhere from Fredericton, New Brunswick to Port Coquitlam, B.C. … the response has been absolutely outstanding. I get messages daily from people telling me ‘thank you, we love the fact you brightened our day.’”
Parsons said the only reason behind the idea is to brings smiles to peoples face and if that continues, the jokes will keep coming.
“I’ll continue as long as people keep enjoying it and smiling and as long as people need laughter, which I don’t think ever goes out of style,” Parsons said.
“There’s plenty of material and smiles to pass around.”
For more jokes you can follow Parsons on Instagram at its_a_pundemic.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
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