Candlelight vigil to commemorate one year of the pandemic – Thursday at 7 pm

This coming Thursday, March 11, marks the one year anniversary of the pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization. It is sobering to reflect on all that has happened to people around the world since then. And yet there is a long road ahead before we reach the end of the COVID-19 ordeal. To share in this reflection, RNAO invites you to commemorate the anniversary with us.

Given the enormity of what has transpired over the past year, the tragic loss of life and the incredible efforts of our hardworking nurses, physicians, personal support workers and other valued healthcare workers fighting the virus, RNAO invites you to recognize the occasion with a candlelight vigil ceremony – live and online.

We plan to issue a media advisory to encourage members of the public, along with healthcare providers, to step outside of their homes or workplaces at 7 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, March 11 and to light a candle to remember those who have died and to reflect on the hope that lies ahead. We also encourage you to profile your online presence on March 11 with the image of a lighted candle – in the homepage of your website, in your Facebook page and everywhere else.

Join our effort to help spread the word. If you are an organization and want to join as such – email Marion Zych mzych@RNAO.ca with your desire to join our effort, along with your organizational name and logo. Please let us know by Tuesday, March 9 at noon. We, in turn, will provide you with an image you can use to help promote this on your websites and social media channels.

For those who want to join as individuals, simply step out on Thursday at 7 pm with your candle lightened. If you need to know more, email Susan McNeill <smcneill@rnao.ca>  Stay tuned for the announcements from RNAO.