Over 10,000 members join Sask. Facebook group dedicated to positivity

A Prince Albert Facebook group dedicated to positivity has been growing in popularity.

Mark Poppen first started “Positive PA" four months ago, and since then its gained nearly 11,000 members.

"The first few members that joined said that it was a refreshing take on P.A.," said Poppen.

He decided to create the group after a Facebook friend shared a positive story about people who had their meal paid for at a restaurant. The story seemed to resonate with the P.A. online community. People were commenting on how the city could use some more positivity on social media.

Poppen checks the page daily. He said he's automated some of his tasks and that he has help from two other admins.

"Maybe if we go grow to, like, 50,000 members or whatever it is, you know, then I need some additional hands, but so far, so good," said Poppen.

He added that while most group members are well-behaved, managing a large group still has its challenges.

"The issue is that people are kind of starting to take advantage of the positivity," Poppen said.

"They just word something in a positive way or make sure that they mentioned P.A., even though their post is unrelated to anything that P.A. does."

Poppen hopes the page will help fight some of the negative perceptions people may have about the city.

"All the good things that happen in the city usually don't make the news."

The group's number one rule is: "No Negativity."