By Gabriella Payne
The residents of Emerald had some surprise visitors on Sunday 6 June, as Shrek, Princess Fiona and not one, but TWO mini donkeys went for a stroll through the streets, bringing smiles and a bit of joy to locals as they grapple with Melbourne’s fourth lockdown.
Shrek and Princess Fiona, otherwise known as Brendan and Tiffany Smith, decided to bring their mini donkeys Cookie and Chester to town to help lift people’s spirits and take their minds off of the difficulties the global pandemic has brought about.
“Everyone has their own story and struggles,” Ms Smith said, “but I still think that most people can bring a smile to others in some way or another,” – and that’s exactly what they did.
Having performed a very successful nativity scene with their friends and farmyard pets last year and then venturing out in previous lockdowns with the donkeys (minus the dress ups), Ms Smith said that when this recent lockdown was announced – she knew what she needed to do.
“Everyone absolutely loved our nativity play last year… and back in February, I walked around with the donkeys and people just loved it,” Ms Smith said.
“And I thought, well we have the mini donkeys, so let’s dress up as Shrek and his donkey!”
Hoping to bring the community together (but still abiding by social distancing rules) in these difficult times, Ms Smith posted in the local Facebook noticeboard to let people know that they’d be leaving ‘the swamp’ on Sunday afternoon for a walk about town.
“Seeing people’s reactions was just amazing,” Ms Smith said.
“They really appreciated us doing it, and it made me and my husband happy as well.”
Making sure they were all masked up and carrying around their own bottle of sanitiser, the Smiths helped delight a number of locals that day and Cookie and Chester were clearly the stars of the show.
On the Facebook community page post, there was an outpouring of appreciation for the Smiths’ kind act.
“So lovely for all the kids, thank you! We really have the best community,” Robyn McPherson wrote.
Another local, Samantha Glassenbury, said that she and her family had been delighted to see Shrek, Princess Fiona and the donkeys.
“I saw you today, I took photos to show my girls, the cheer and happiness you brought to the community in such trying times is beyond words….. thank you for such a caring act, wish there were more people like you around, well done,” she wrote.
Ms Smith said that since she had had to temporarily close both her gym, Emerald’s Vibe Health and Fitness, and her animal therapy business due to the lockdown – this act of kindness was the least she and her husband could do.
“We had eight months of closures last year, so this doesn’t seem too bad!” she said.
Ms Smith said that a bit of joy was easy to share with others and seeing “the smiles on people’s faces” made it all worthwhile.
“I tried to make my husband put on a Scottish accent too, but it didn’t work out so well!” Ms Smith joked.
The Smiths are already planning their next nativity play – and who knows, maybe you’ll see them around town again soon!
