‘We thank you all’ campaign to applaud key workers

A GROUP of kind-hearted Strabane people are starting a campaign to applaud every key employee and volunteer who is working tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 outbreak.

Following on from the recent ‘applause for the NHS’, a group of four individuals from Strabane decided to take the idea a step further and develop a concept for all our keyworkers – far and wide, who demonstrate what community spirit is really all about.

Louise Boyce, Sinead Gallen, Barry McGowan and John Paul McCauley are encouraging everyone to clap for the front-line key workers this Sunday, April 5 at 7pm.

People are being encouraged to clap from their doorsteps and through social media to show support for all the staff in supermarkets; chemists; pharmacists, childcare workers; carers; post and other delivery and collection services; teachers; social workers; civil service and local authority staff.

The campaign is also to thank those in the community and voluntary sector; volunteers who ensure the vulnerable are looked after in various capacities; businesses who are able to contribute to ensure their community can stay safe and stay indoors are all making a collective effort and these efforts are making everyone feel valued within their community.

The group explain, “No matter where you live, there is so much love, goodwill and spirit shown in these times of difficulty and uncertainty to keep people safe.

“Many have lost their jobs and now give their time to help and support others to ensure lives are saved and we simply don’t want this to go unnoticed.”

The initiative started in a group chat when hairdresser/barber Sinead Gallen and Louise Boyce talked about the potential idea of the concept to develop a campaign for all essential keyworkers.

This followed with Barry McGowan, renowned international artist and illustrator, and JP McCauley, award winning musician and graphic designer, quickly offering their services to support the initiative.

Before long Barry had the paintbrush out and developed a unique illustration that captures how everyone feels, and with the design skills of JP McCauley a product was developed and branded as #wethankyouall.

Louise Boyce explained, “We are all hopeful that the ‘#wethankyouall’ concept will take off with the backing of everyone who wants to express their appreciation to their front-line heroes including family members.

“We are aiming to create a moment of thanks and gratitude on Sunday, April 5 at 7pm at our own doors and through social media for our front-line key workers, who selflessly, unconditionally and continuously ensure we are safe and have our basic essentials.

“I think everyone will agree it certainly is not going unnoticed and the impact is creating an overwhelming sense of community.”

Louise added “This message is for everybody, to ensure we all keep momentum for the path ahead, stay strong, stay safe and continue the spirit of community. That will be important. There is simply no divide in this pandemic, but ironically we are now physical apart.

“I don’t think many have ever witnessed a closeness like this, where everyone is pulling together for the greater good and to be out the other side of these unprecedented times,” said Louise.

• Take part in the #wethankyouall campaign on Sunday, April 5 at 7pm by clapping from your doorsteps.