Prince George residents are getting the opportunity to show their heart and hope in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the battle to keep the infectious virus at bay continues, the local Salvation Army has developed the #HopeHeartHealth Challenge as a way of lifting the collective spirit in the community.
“We’ve been through more than one emergency situation, such as the forest fires, and the biggest thing we find from experiencing these events is that people will get through it - the mechanical or business aspect of it,” says Roy Law, community ministries director with the Salvation Army - Prince George. “But the most important response is from the heart – something that helps bring hope.”
To help lift spirits, the challenge encourages local residents and business owners to put up the campaign’s posters in their front windows and signs on their lawns. Posters can be downloaded from the Salvation Army’s website.
“At the moment, many people are living with uncertainty and unsettled feelings as their normal lives have been disrupted by the stay at home orders to limit spread of the virus,” Law says. “And we wanted to help bring some hope as a show of solidarity and optimism that we will all get through this.”
The #HopeHeartHealth Challenge is also turning to social media like Facebook to draw attention to the way people have been boosting spirits and staying connected.
“We hear about the parades around the hospital with people honking their car horns in support of the frontline medical workers,” Law says. “Then there’s the new way of celebrating birthdays with a parade going past someone’s house. Building on the amazing good news stories in happening throughout the community, we wanted to celebrate the best of the community by providing platform to put all of the good news online for everyone to see and get a little hope.”
Those posting are encouraged to use the hashtag #HopeHeartHealth.
Residents are also invited to take part in the “challenge” part of the campaign by posting what they are doing on their social media page and then challenging three or more of their social media friends to do likewise.
“Challenge ideas can be something that gives someone hope, is heartfelt, or is something promoting health,” Law says.
For more information and to download your Hope Heart Health poster or order yard sign, visit online at sapg.ca and click on the #HopeHeartHealth, visit their Facebook page, or call 250-564-4000.
