Positive initiatives to support this week

Irish people are continually rallying behind our frontline heroes, people in need and local businesses at this scary time. Here are some initiatives to take heart from, including Heroes Aid, Keeping Dublin Afloat and a new campaign by Dog’s Trust

The current crisis continues to bring out the best in Irish people. It feels like every day a new kind gesture or clever campaign is started to help each other in this distressing time. Here are a few to check out now, and hopefully they will inspire more positive movements.

Could you foster the pet of a frontline worker?

Dogs Trust has started a Frontline Foster Care service, which is a free temporary programme to ensure the dogs of frontline workers get cared for. You can sign up here.

Throughout the #CoronavirusPandemic, incredible #FrontLineHeroes are tirelessly working to give essential services & care for those who need it most. To help, we’ve launched our Dogs Trust Frontline Foster Care service, a free temporary fostering programme to care for their dogs.

— Dogs Trust Ireland (@DogsTrust_IE) April 16, 2020

Supporting the local business community

@keepingdublinafloat is a brilliant Instagram account that is focused on supporting local businesses through Covid-19. They will feature businesses that are still open on the account for free.

There are recommendations for workouts by local gyms, shops selling toys for children, bakeries, cafés, music classes and more.

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This is an opportunity for you to highlight your business or to tell people if you have diversified during this crisis. We want to hear from businesses who are being creative or have started a delivery service or have adapted to make their business work. This page is about Dublin and what you are doing during this difficult time and can include fitness, education, lifestyle, food and well being. This page is for you 🌟 #dublin #shoplocal #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #keepingdublinafloat

A post shared by Keeping Dublin Afloat (@keepingdublinafloat) on Apr 8, 2020 at 5:35am PDT

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If you’re not feeling the PE with Joe vibe and you’d rather something closer to home, have a look @unit1_trainingfacility based in Terenure. You can follow their programme for free from our instagram posts and videos or alternatively join their live classes on Zoom by messaging Claire @unit1_trainingfacility and booking into class via their website with a special Covid 19 price tag. Check out their Youtube channel for a host of workout videos including a series of videos designed specially for anyone who isn’t in the habit of pumping iron frequently. If that’s you then these 25-30 min videos will go a long way to keep you sane and fit at home. https://youtu.be/kDfSNC_oQ8w #dublin #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #keepingdublinafloat #unit1trainingfacility #gym #fitness

A post shared by Keeping Dublin Afloat (@keepingdublinafloat) on Apr 16, 2020 at 12:07am PDT

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Jumping Clay Dublin based in Knocklyon are now selling online. Their air drying modelling clay for children is the perfect solution to an afternoon activity and can be used to make toys as well as develop creativity. Order online jumpingclay.ie and keep an eye @jumpingclay_dublin for ideas on how to model your clay #dublin #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #keepingdublinafloat #jumpingclay #kids #claymodelling

A post shared by Keeping Dublin Afloat (@keepingdublinafloat) on Apr 16, 2020 at 12:04am PDT

Providing PPE to the frontline

Irish nurse Mary Leahy set up a non-profit organisation called Heroes Aid to provide PPE supplies and other resources and supports to frontline staff. Keywest created this video to support the campaign. Donate on GoFundMe here.