Small hand-crocheted items are being left around Paphos, along with notes or poems, and are intended to bring smiles to the faces of those that find them.
The discoverer is then encouraged to share photos and comments on social media.
The Dean family are responsible for creating the items and bringing the idea, which aims to spread kindness, from the UK to Paphos.
Due to the pandemic, cancelled flights and lockdown restrictions in the UK which would prevent them from seeing their grandchildren, Sharron and Peter Dean decided to stay on at their holiday home in Mesoyi for a few more months.
Along with daughter Kelly, Sharron crochets all sorts of cheerful creations, including flowers and poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day on Sunday, Sharron told the Sunday Mail.
Each item comes with a poem, either from the group, or one written by her husband Peter, who is an author.
“I have been out to a number of areas in Paphos to ‘hide’ poppies and other items, along with the poems and it really makes people smile and cheers them up. I crocheted a long time ago and my daughter, Kelly was doing it in the UK. She was furloughed due to the pandemic and started leaving items made all over our local area,” she said.
Her daughter usually works with the London ambulance transport company at Hillingdon hospital in patient transport, but was furloughed through lack of outpatient appointments due to Covid-19.
Her daughter filled her time by improving her crochet skills and began to leave these ‘Random Acts of Crochet Kindness’ in Hillingdon, and the feedback she got was ‘amazing’.
“So many people were uplifted by finding flowers, rainbows, hearts and animal faces and so on,and the short poem, during lockdown and beyond. Many people have posted on local groups as well as the original FB one.”
The original poem read: “I am not lost, just alone, if I make you smile, then take me home.”
The aim is to build a community of kind acts and make the world a bit lighter and brighter, the family says.
The Dean family arrived in Paphos on September 7, Kelly has since returned to the UK and left various crochet items to be distributed.
Sharron is continuing to crochet and has recently left Remembrance poppies by the harbour in Kato Paphos, along the lighthouse coastal path and outside shops and restaurants.
One lucky person wrote: “Did you leave one at Bonamare Beach? I took it and it really made my day. I wear it in remembrance of my Grandad. Thank you.”
Random acts of crochet kindness on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/906834113017980
