At a time of isolation, a Richmondite is asking people to take at least a minute each night to pay tribute to Richmond healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Long-term Richmondite Tasha Schermerhorn posted a plea earlier this week to the Community of Richmond Facebook group asking residents to clap from windows, balconies and front steps every night at 7 p.m. to show thanks to frontline workers.
“I appreciate all the people working to keep us safe,” said Schermerhorn, adding that she hopes more people will join this initiative in the next few days, even though she knows their intended audience might be too busy to listen.
The idea of “clapping from balcony” started in Italy and spread quickly around the world, as did the hashtag “we applaud,” which has gone viral on Twitter.
In some European cities that are hard hit by COVID-19, people who are confined to their homes have been stepping outside every night to send thanks and encouragement to healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media, show Vancourites also taking to their windows and balconies to clap, play music and make some noise with kitchenware to show gratitude for healthcare workers and lift one another’s spirits.
Schermerhorn hopes Richmond, too, will soon be filled with nightly cheers and applause.
