Here in Canada we are just heading into the Covid-19 tunnel of darkness. Anyone who is tracking the virus’s sprint across the globe, knows it’s going to get very ugly before it gets better. This is the moment to remember that kindness is contagious too.
Even now I am encouraged by how quickly neighbours and friends have chosen to self-isolate. Family dinners got cancelled. Plans delayed. Events upended. They didn’t wait to be told. Many companies are also rising to the occasion. I admire the ones who were fast to send employees home to work to keep them safe. Brands like Apple and Patagonia were among the first to shut their doors. They didn’t wait for a government decree, they made the early commitment to help flatten the contagion curve. They spurred others into action. Ambev, Absolut and LVMH are all dedicating production lines to produce hand sanitizer instead of hooch.
1/2 Starting this week, Shoppers Drug Mart is dedicating the first opening hour of shopping at our stores to our customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities.
— Shoppers Drug Mart (@ShopprsDrugMart) March 17, 2020
I see neighbours reaching out to seniors to see if they need groceries or medication. Shoppers Drug Mart has offered special dedicated hours to seniors or those with health issues. In the US, drugstore chain Raley’s has put together $20 Seniors Essentials Bags of groceries for those who are in quarantine or self-isolation and has arranged a myriad of creative and safe ways to ensure they find their way to those in need.
Rogers is waiving long distance, roaming fees and and no service being cut off to customers can stay connected. Uber Eats is offering free meals to healthcare workers and is waiving delivery fees for the independent restaurants.
Canaidan rockers, The Arkells, are offering “Flatten the Curve” music lessons.
For those at home with children, Disney released Frozen 2 three months early. The Arkells are offering “Flatten the Curve” music lessons. They write a daily song, release the chords in the morning and offer the daily online lesson at 1:00. Kids (and everyone else) love it.
Doctors offices are offering virtual care. Even my little local yoga studio is offering free online classes. A little Zen at a time like this can go a long way.
Self-isolation gives one the time and space for observation and thought. A rarity in our tech-fuelled lives. So take it. Stay home. Be with your families. Stay safe. And let’s all remember to reach out to those in need.
Yes, kindness is contagious. It also saves lives.