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Signs of Hope: Energizing our Communities with Heartfelt Words

MAY 6, 2020| SpeedPro Chicago Loop

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“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again”. These words penned by a young prisoner of war are as pertinent to us today as they were for her over 70 years ago. As humans, we’re programmed to cope with adversity, and whether faced with natural disaster, war or disease, we eventually emerge triumphant thanks to the glue that binds us together. That glue is our communities. Locally and globally they are a force to be reckoned with, and it will be all of us pulling together in the same direction that will eventually beat this pandemic, not science alone.

Faced with the fear and uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, businesses, families, and individuals across the country are battling for economic and mental survival. Times are tough and optimism is in short supply, with the situation becoming increasingly political and society even more polarized. Yet there is a ray of light shining through the darkness. And that’s hope. A simple but powerful concept that we can grasp with both hands and harness to re-energize our businesses and our neighborhoods. Throughout history, hope has united communities with great effects, and it’s precisely the way forward in this current crisis too. 

At a time when social distancing is fast becoming the new culture, it may be surprising to realize that many of us are now more connected than ever. Instead of instant messaging we pick up the phone; rather than a quiet night in we’re taking part in countless online quizzes and workout sessions; and we chat with our neighbors over the fence far more than we did before. The community spirit of local groups is uplifting too and feeling part of something bigger than our own four walls is vital for mental well-being. For example, some neighborhoods have appointed block captains to coordinate support for local businesses, such as ordering collectively from restaurants on certain days of the week.

This pandemic has presented a unique opportunity to connect with your community on a level that inspires hope like never before. As businesses, it’s our responsibility to help people stay united, with a shared vision of positivity and gratitude for all those who are dedicating their lives to keeping us safe. While our essential workers are tackling coronavirus on the front lines, at SpeedPro Chicago Loop we’re fighting it with words. We’ve been creating signs of hope and thanks that are popping up on balconies, lawns and outside stations all over Chicago, as a way for residents to express their support for our community heroes and brighten up the silent streets. Since we started this project we’ve been amazed at the positive reactions we’ve had, from first responders and hospital workers to grocery store employees and the neighborhood in general. So, we’re going to keep on going, and will be donating a portion of the proceeds from these signs to the American Red Cross and local charities as part of our company ethos to pay it forward. 

There’s something comforting in the knowledge that we’re all in this together. The world may seem small right now, but in terms of community, it’s never felt larger. The power of people should not be underestimated, and as creativity and compassion combine with medicine to defeat this pandemic, we’ll all emerge in a new, more connected world where the things that really matter in life are most valued. Like hope, and thanks. 

 

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