Can you have community scheme events during the pandemic?
Omar Kinnear, developer of ResidentPortal encourages residential complexes to enjoy social events when regulations allow
One of the great things about living in a residential community is the sense of community it’s possible to achieve. Organised community events are a great way to build community spirit, albeit that these have obviously been severely curtained under the pandemic.
Omar Kinnear, developer of ResidentPortal, an increasingly popular, web-based community communication portal for community schemes, comments: “While it is important to adapt our behaviour as infections rise and fall, as regulations allow, we are still able to enjoy events – particularly outdoor events – while practicing all the necessary social distancing protocols.”
Kinnear shares the following great ideas for events and activities that can be enjoyed during times when regulations allow:
Community braais
What’s more South African than having a braai? Heritage Day on September 24 is the obvious time to have an estate-wide braai involving everyone. But you can have them at other times too. What about a street or a block braai, for example, that only involves close neighbours?
Cultural events
Building community means getting to know more about each other. In communities with a variety of cultures, a cultural day can be a great way to achieve this. This can take the form of a cook-out with dishes from various countries, or a communal picnic with people coming dressed in clothes that reflect their culture.
Religious days/seasons
Special holidays on the calendars of various religions are wonderful times to bring people together. Whether most people in your complex or estate are Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or any other, why not use your special holidays to organise an event that celebrates these.
Community market
Outdoor markets that sell everything from food to bric-a-brac and unwanted baby clothes are becoming increasingly popular. Why not hold one every quarter and invite residents with hobby skills such as baking, pottery or painting, to sell their goods? Enterprising kids can get involved selling their own products too.
Sporting clubs
If your estate is large enough, there may be room to walk, jog or cycle within the confines of the property. If not, arrange to meet inside the complex and then venture outside as a group – there’s safety in numbers, after all, and it’s great fun to be in the company of your neighbours. If you live in a complex with a communal swimming pool, consider organising regular water aerobics sessions.
Gardening and nature
Every estate has residents who are itching to get back into nature at every opportunity. Set up a group of volunteers to work with the estate’s professional gardening team – giving advice, perhaps, on the most appropriate seasonal flowers to plant in specific areas or the best water-wise plants in drought-stricken regions. Or start a group that looks after the indigenous wild birds by setting up owl boxes or barbet nesting boxes. Garden competitions are another possible idea.
“These are just a few examples,” says Kinnear. “Online book clubs via Zoom, Scrabble (download for Windows) or Bridge clubs, car boot sales – the list goes, but the goal is the same. Making an effort to build community is worth every bit of energy and pays off with a peaceful and cohesive community.”
Finally, he says, communication is essential to organising successful events. “Schemes should use newsletters and Facebook, or a communications portal like ResidentPortal, to advertise and report on events.
Among a host of ResidentPortal’s features that streamline communications between residents and scheme management, is a chat facility where residents share information with each other, and a notice board where community events can be advertised.”
See www.residentportal.co.za to sign up for ResidentPortal’s Free version, or to find out more about its comprehensive packages.
ABOUT ResidentPortal
ResidentPortal is developed and managed by Sandton-based software consulting and development company, Business Xponent Solutions (BXS). The estate communication platform is one of the products emerging from 20 years of experience in the software industry of its founder, Omar Kinnear. One of the original developers of the SARS eFiling platform, Kinnear brings to ResidentPortal a wealth of knowledge of system performance and security.
Since 2016, more than 100 complexes are using ResidentPortal, and are benefiting from the way the full-featured Standard and Pro packages are simplifying the lives of residents and management in estates and sectional title complexes.
For more information, contact: Omar Kinnear, 078 798 3378
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