An inspirational video spearheaded by Newmarket’s deputy mayor is boosting the community’s resilience and unity in the face of the hardship and isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newmarket, United We Stand features local community leaders, politicians, musicians, entrepreneurs and residents who all volunteered to be a part of the video that’s about the strength found in togetherness “when our backs are against the wall.”
Tom Vegh, who directed and produced the video, believes in the power of song to create unity and boost spirits.
“Right now, it’s really tough for a lot of people,” he said. “I’m just hoping the video will give people a bit of strength, put a smile on their face, and get the message that we will get through this — and we are going to get through this together.”
The song in the video, United We Stand, was first performed in 1970 by Brotherhood of Man, a successful British pop group.
The idea to create the video was sparked about three weeks ago as Vegh, who is a member of the Region of York’s public health committee, was reviewing the reports about COVID-19 while listening to music in the background.
As United We Stand began to play, its meaningful but simple lyrics caught his attention.
“This song conveys strength in unity, and I knew that many may feel powerless and alone in the face of this pandemic,” Vegh said.
While chatting with neighbours while walking his dog — while maintaining physical distance — Vegh said it was becoming clear to him that any “novelty” we might have initially felt regarding the pandemic and the emergency order restrictions had quickly worn thin.
“People are saying that they’re feeling scared and also feeling powerless, and we’re hoping that this video will give people a bit of strength and boost their morale. Newmarket, we’re resilient, we’re strong, we’re compassionate but this is a lot that we’re going through.”
The release of the video on the Easter weekend, a time when families usually gather to celebrate, has made it particularly poignant to many residents who are missing friends and family.
“Even this Easter, we’re used to having 20 people — kids and family — in our house,” Vegh said. “We don’t have anybody.”
Vegh reached out to local music producer Sam Reid, of Glass Tiger fame, who readily agreed to do the arrangements.
John Clarke and James Woollatt met the challenge of sound and video editing of the more than 50 video clips provided by each participant of the video, all recorded remotely in respect of physical distancing guidelines.
Well-known local musicians and entertainers George St. Kitts and Robyn Black, and rapper NastyPalms (Patrick Smith Jr.) are the featured vocalists, backed by the chorus of more than 30 residents and leaders.
Some of the faces you might recognize are Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, Vegh and his wife, Angela, councillors Grace Simon, Christine Bisanz, Jane Twinney, Victor Woodhouse, Trevor Morrison, Kelly Broome, Bob Kwapis, York Region CEO Wayne, Emmerson, Newmarket Chamber of Commerce CEO Tracy Walter, Cachet Supper Club owner Jenn McLachlan, Al Connelly (also of Glass Tiger fame), Brad Jones of Aspiring Legends, Chris Bulmer of Voices of Joy Choir, York Regional Police chief designate Jim MacSween, Southlake Regional Health Centre board chairperson Debra Dobson, Jennifer Catlander of York Regional Paramedic Services, Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Liang, Pastor Gary James of Valley View Alliance Church, Second World War veteran Ed Bernstein, Stephanie and Hannah Morrision, Art and Judy Craig, 108 Health Promotion Association president Nan Zhou, Newmarket accessibility advisory committee chairperson Steve Foglia, New Hope Methodist Church Pastor Terry Gibson, Chabad Newmarket Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum, and NACCA chairperson Jerisha Grant-Hall
“By supporting each other, whether it is those providing essential services, our local businesses, our residents, or our neighbours, we become more resilient and give each other strength to get through this,” Vegh said.
He hopes that the video will inspire other towns, cities, groups and organizations to create and share their own United We Stand video with the world.
United We Stand lyrics
There's nowhere in the world that I would rather be
Than with you my love (*my friend, in Newmarket, United We Stand)
And there's nothing in the world that I would rather see
Than your smile my love
For united we stand
Divided we fall
And if our backs should ever be against the wall
We'll be together, together, you and I
For united we stand
Divided we fall
And if our backs should ever be against the wall
We'll be together, together, you and I
And if the world about you falls apart my love
Then I'll still be here
And if the going gets too hard along the way
Just you call, I'll hear
For united we stand
Divided we fall
And if our backs should ever be against the wall
We'll be together, together, you and I
