“When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
– Fred Rogers
Although today’s news is flooded with ongoing updates and statistics surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, the Grand Rapids Chamber remains proud to see local partners and the business community lending a hand. Since our first post, we have seen numerous additional stories of local helpers stepping up to #CreateGreatCommunity. We know West Michigan is a resilient and resourceful community, and because of that, we have great hope, not only for today but also for tomorrow.
Please join us in celebrating the amazing work that is being done in West Michigan and beyond during these extremely challenging times:
- Horizon Bank is pledging $250,000 in aid for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, allocated across several nonprofit groups in Michigan and Indiana.
- The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is sharing daily content on social media and posting “play resources” on their website for ideas to keep kids busy at home: https://www.grcm.org/playathome
- Uccello’s “Heart of Hospitality Event” provided free food to those in the hospitality industry or others experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
- Habitat for Humanity of Kent County donated over 5,000 masks to area hospitals.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown and Hilton Garden Inn are extending gracious rates for essential workers who do not want to jeopardize the health of their families during this unprecedented time.
- Sanford House Addiction Treatment Centers is now offering virtual addiction treatment for patients who are homebound in light of COVID-19.
- In an effort to lift spirits during the week that would have been Spring Break for many West Michigan schools (April 6-10), Grand Rapids Kids encouraged families to participate in “616 Spring Break Spirit Week.” They’ve suggested a fun theme and family friendly activities for each day the week to get everyone to feel the #616Spirit.
- HexArmor is doing all they can to help front-line responders fight this pandemic, working with local hospitals to get them needed personal protection equipment and producing options for gowns, surgical curtains, and face mask covers. Learn more here.
- Velocity Research is partnering with a network of people to use open source designs and 3D printers to rapidly create face shields and other pieces of personal protection equipment for medical professionals in need.
- Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan graciously welcomed the Renucci Hospitality House families to free up space at Spectrum Health as they continue planning for a surge in COVID-19 cases.
- Hope Network started the Red Bus Relief effort to help our community deliver supplies, meals, food, and medical support.
- Cano’s broadcasting (La Poderosa) has invited area businesses or non-profit organizations the opportunity to share a message on WMJH-810 AM & 93.3 FM. At no cost, they can update the public on the status of their business, or simply share some kind words.
- As a thank you for their heroic efforts, Buddy’s Pizza has launched their Feed the Frontliners campaign. Medical professionals and first responders can get 50% off their orders in April.
If you see businesses or individuals stepping up to Create Great in our community, tag the post with #CreateGreatCommunity. We want to continue to spread positivity during these extremely challenging times.
