After Caerphilly County Borough became the first part of Wales to enter a local lockdown, Caerphilly Observer issued a plea – “We must all play our part in lifting the gloom”.
This struck a chord with Caerphilly resident Kate Davey, 35, who responded by creating Cheer Up Caerphilly, alongside friends Elin Thomas, 34, and Gabrielle McGregor, 43.
On September 12, mum-of-two Kate, shared a message on her Facebook page, encouraging children in the borough to draw smiley faces and display them on their windows with the hashtag #CheerUpCaerphilly
The post then went viral – reaching more than 20,000 people on Facebook.
Businesses across the borough then got onboard, donating prizes to be given away to residents who have taken part in the campaign to lift spirits in the borough.
Kate, who runs Kate Davey Photography, said: “I saw the story in Caerphilly Observer and asked what could I do to cheer people up in Caerphilly?”
Initially, ten local businesses got on board, but that number soon increased to 53, with 68 prizes up for grabs – worth more than £2,300.
The winners will be chosen at random, with the draw set to be streamed live on Facebook from 8pm on Saturday (September 26).
Prizes such as food hampers, afternoon teas and family photo shoots are up for grabs. More than 130 people have entered the draw.
Meanwhile, four primary schools – The Twyn, Cwrt Rawlin, Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili and Ysgol Gymraeg y Castell – have all got onboard with the efforts to ‘lift the gloom’.
Kate said: “I always wanted this response, but I never expected it. I’m overwhelmed.
“Caerphilly has great community spirit. We’ll get through this together.”
Mum-of-two Elin, who works as an occupational therapist, said: “There’s been a lot of doom and gloom recently, so it’s great to be part of something to make other people happy.
“People have been very positive and supportive.
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“Lots of businesses have lost so much and are still supporting this – it says so much about them.”
The live draw will be streamed from Esquires Coffee in Castle View, Caerphilly.
Esquires franchise owner Julie McIlhiney said: “It’s positive to see businesses helping out.
“It’s also lovely to see children so positive at the moment.
“Just being able to speak with Kate, Elin and Gabrielle and being able to help out and offer our facilities has been great.”
To visit the Cheer Up Caerphilly Facebook page and to find out more on how to enter the prize draw, visit obv.sr/cheerup
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We are so proud to be supporting this amazing campaign and we really must thank Kate, Julie & Elin for all the work they put into this. Thank you to the children and people of Caerphilly for embracing this ~ despite these uncertain times Caerphilly is full of smiles! We certainly have some budding artist amongst us!
Stay safe and #CheerUpCaerphilly ?
Gemma @ Bespoke Treasures