NEWS RELEASE
SOUTHLAKE REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE FOUNDATION
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A new community initiative is doing double duty, thanking frontline workers for keeping the communities safe, and raising urgent funds to support Southlake’s COVID-19 Action Fund.
Lawn signs honouring frontline health-care and essential workers have been produced by NewRoads Automotive Group in partnership with Neal Brothers Foods and are now available for purchase.
Since the initiative launched on April 25, more than 200 signs are already displayed on front lawns of homes and businesses across the communities Southlake serves. Proceeds of the $50 signs are being donated to support urgent needs related to Southlake’s response to COVID-19, with purchasers receiving a $35 tax receipt. To maintain safe social distancing practices, signs are being delivered and installed on front lawns by the NewRoads Community Crew.
This incredible initiative is being led by NewRoads Automotive Group President and CEO Michael Croxon, also a member of Southlake Foundation’s Philanthropy Cabinet, as well as Chris and Peter Neal, co-owners of Neal Brothers Foods.
“We’d seen some signs around our neighbourhood early on in the pandemic and thought it was a great opportunity to fundraise for our hospital,” said Chris Neal, a longtime Southlake supporter. “So we approached Michael with the idea, and he immediately offered the support of his team to make it happen.”
“The idea seemed like a no-brainer,” said Michael Croxon. “It’s a way we can acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of our frontline workers while also raising some much needed funds for Southlake’s COVID-19 Action Fund. We knew that we had the resources to help at NewRoads, like willing volunteers among our staff and delivery vehicles that we could deploy. We’re hoping to generate a lot of community support and see literally thousands of signs across the region.”
“This initiative is a really special way for our frontline health-care heroes to see the strong support of our communities and know that they are truly appreciated, especially in such a challenging time,” said Susan Mullin, President and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “Our staff are certainly feeling the gratitude through the donations of personal protective equipment, food, and messages. Now they can see and feel that sense of community on their way to and from work as well, and they have an opportunity to participate and share their own gratitude for the other essential workers in the community that we, in turn, depend on.”
Several of these signs will also be proudly displayed on the Southlake campus, ensuring that each and every one of Southlake’s frontline health-care workers will be able to see this special gesture of thanks for their tireless efforts in keeping our communities safe.
For more information or to purchase your sign, visit https://www.newroads.ca/southlake/.
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