Okotoks residents are invited to a community-wide virtual event honouring local healthcare and frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
The virtual event, called Ignite the Light, will take place Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m. on the Town of Okotoks Facebook page and on its website at www.okotoks.ca/ignitethelight.
Residents are encouraged to head into their front yards to shine lights and make noise as a tribute to frontline workers, and share photos or videos on social media channels using the hashtag #OkotoksStrongerTogether.
Okotoks community events specialist Zach Adams said the idea stems from similar virtual events across Canada and elsewhere in the world.
"We have seen a lot of other recognition parades and activities to celebrate our essential workers who are really getting us through the pandemic and the situation we're in," said Adams. "We haven't really seen a big one yet in Okotoks and we wanted to have that moment here and honour the ones we have within our local community who are working for us day-in and day-out."
He said healthcare workers are on the front lines fighting COVID-19 on a daily basis, many of whom call Okotoks home. Ignite the Light is intended to collectively bring the community together in recognition of these neighbours and fellow citizens.
The Town hopes to see the Ignite the Light event kick off a regular community recognition of healthcare and frontline employees - all done virtually to maintain social distancing practices.
"In other communities it's been nightly, and if there's that drive and that ambition for people to do that we would love that to keep people strong and Okotoks stronger together," said Adams. "If it could turn into something ongoing that would be amazing."
To add to the celebration, the Okotoks Municipal Centre will be lit up with Alberta Health Services colours (blue, green and white) for one week and the tree at the Olde Towne Okotoks Plaza will also be lit.
