News of Sunshine, Hearts & Rainbows
While times of great pressure can bring out the worst in some people, it also brings out the best in many more. So, in this time of constant change when too many things out of our control, this page will focus on the positive, on the stories of kindness, solidarity and good will happening within the membership every day.
If you have a story to share, whether you want to be known or remain anonymous, email ---
If you have a story to share, whether you want to be known or remain anonymous, email ---
Hearts & Rainbows
While many people are in the position of working from home or making alternate arrangements, there are many individuals in Canada and BC who are in jobs that are deemed essential services during this public health crisis. From medical professionals to workers in grocery stores, from janitors to media staff, these people are ensuring that the rest of the population has the resources and services necessary to keep us whole and safe. In many cases, they are putting their health at risk to support the rest of us.
Despite the need for physical distancing, self-isolation and quarantines, an increasing number of expressions of thanks and recognition are appearing each day. Here are a few ideas:
While many people are in the position of working from home or making alternate arrangements, there are many individuals in Canada and BC who are in jobs that are deemed essential services during this public health crisis. From medical professionals to workers in grocery stores, from janitors to media staff, these people are ensuring that the rest of the population has the resources and services necessary to keep us whole and safe. In many cases, they are putting their health at risk to support the rest of us.
Despite the need for physical distancing, self-isolation and quarantines, an increasing number of expressions of thanks and recognition are appearing each day. Here are a few ideas:
- Putting hearts in your windows for those who wear their hearts on their sleeves – Many people are putting displays of hearts in their windows and on their doors to show support for health professionals who continue to work despite the dangers they face every day.
- Looking for rainbows – Some teachers are encouraging their students to make rainbows and put them in their windows as symbols of hope despite the clouds.
- Standing ovation – Neighborhoods are coming out each night at 7pm to clap, ring bells or bang pots for 5 minutes in support of essential service workers.
- Make a joyful noise – Some communities are even arranging evening sing-a-longs from their driveways and balconies as a reminder that physical distancing doesn’t mean a lack of social solidarity.

Sunshine Committee
Regardless of what else is happening right now, the work of the Local and its committees continues including the Sunshine Committee. For more information about the work of the Sunshine Committee, click here.
Solidarity in Action
One of our members became incredibly ill a couple of weeks ago. Though the member’s family doctor suspected COVID-19, because of the member’s age and overall health, they didn’t qualify for testing and instead was told to isolate at home and call 911 if their breathing became compromised. In a show of solidarity, members of your Local kept in contact with their sick colleague – checking on their physical and mental wellbeing, delivering groceries to the door, and picking up much needed supplies. As the member began to recover, co-workers would drop by for visits through the screened window, keeping careful physical distancing at all times. |
It’s wonderful to report that the member is now fully recovered. In conversation after their recovery, the member noted how vital those visits, phone calls, texts and emails were to maintaining their psychological health, not to mention the necessity of the grocery and drug store runs. Their message – never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness!