The Rotary Club of Gibsons and Coast Reporter have partnered to launch a Sunshine Coast-wide campaign to encourage residents and businesses to display the Canadian flag in appreciation for our frontline workers.
The Fly the Flag for Frontline Workers campaign will augment the daily 7 p.m. shoutout that has become a worldwide ritual to applaud the essential workers in health care, law enforcement, food services, retail sales, volunteering, and many other unsung heroes who continue to provide the basic goods and services we need to function.
“The COVID-19 crisis is an unprecedented situation, and a burst of red and white across the Sunshine Coast would be a visible expression of our gratitude,” said club president Chris Wolfe.
“We’re all in this together and Canadians stand in solidarity with all essential workers as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out.”
The club suggests flying or displaying the flag on our homes, businesses and cars, and if you have a flag pole, make sure to raise the Canadian flag during this extended lockdown. Coast Reporter will feature a colouring page for the next four issues so kids can colour their “thank yous” to the various frontline workers. Each week one lucky child will receive a gift basket from local businesses.
The Rotary Club has available over 2,000 small Canadian flags that will be available free of charge at local malls and grocery stores. The dollar stores in Gibsons and Sechelt will also bring out their traditional July 1 Canada Day stock of Canadian flags and banners for the campaign.
“It’s a simple gesture that expresses community solidarity,” said club spokesman Luke Vorstermans. “Over the next four to six months, that community spirit will come under stress as we sort our way through this chaos. The Canadian flag will be a reminder to keep our eye on the larger picture.”
