Over the past few months, it’s been easy to become overwhelmed and disheartened by the daily news cycle. Despite the uncertainty and fear, there has been no shortage of kind acts and displays of community resilience in support of those in need during this crisis. Here are just a few examples of communities from around the world rallying together over the past few months to serve as a reminder that we will get through this together!

THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBELWicked Dolphin Rum Distillery in Cape Coral teamed up with Florida Crystals, Fort Myers Brewing and Big Blue Brewing early on in the pandemic in an effort to meet the need for hand sanitizer for first responders and the local healthcare system. They were not only able to meet their goal for first responders, but they were left with a surplus which they were able to donate to the community. In May, community members were invited to stop by the Wicked Dolphin Distillery to pick up free hand and surface sanitizer. Volunteers handed out thousands of bottles, limited to four per person, free of charge.

FLORIDA
Many Crystal River businesses rallied behind their community during the early days of the lockdown. Forced to close its doors, Cody’s Original Roadhouse owner Franck Maigne decided to help out local families who had lost jobs due to the coronavirus crisis by graciously providing 300 free dinners to those in need. The response was so overwhelming that the restaurant did it again the following weekend.

Similarly, Eric Ducharme, owner of the Crystal River’s Mertailor, which is known for its elaborate mermaid tail designs, was able to keep his staff employed by creating protective face masks for healthcare workers. Since shifting to mask-making, the shop has produced an estimated 350 masks every day.

EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE
Kissimmee Cares, the charitable arm of Experience Kissimmee, used its platform to become a resource for local businesses that need assistance during the pandemic. The website also provided a list of virtual volunteer opportunities so that community members could easily find ways to support frontline workers without having to leave their homes. Volunteer opportunities include sewing masks, putting together hygiene kits containing soap and hand sanitizer and even sending simple thank you messages to healthcare workers.

Visit “Kissimmee Cares” for full details.

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TOURISM

One of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic has undoubtedly been the restaurant industry. Despite the hardships, in Boston a number of local eats have found ways to give back to frontline workers and the community they serve.

The Ice Cream Smith in Dorchester gave back by providing free ice cream cakes to healthcare workers, while supplies last. Their Instagram account also allowed followers the opportunity to “treat a healthcare worker” at Carney Hospital and they recently sold limited edition t-shirts to raise funds for frontline workers.

Phinista Café in Boston also sent free goodies to healthcare workers in the area. On their Instagram, they offered handcrafted cold brews via direct message and they personally delivered coffee to Boston healthcare workers.

COSTA RICA
Many families around the world are keeping the spirit of travel alive by bringing Costa Rica directly into their homes. The Ashton Family unfortunately had to cancel their vacation to Costa Rica, but that didn’t stop them from enjoying the sights and sounds of the destination in their own creative way. The family transformed a corner of their home into a Costa Rican rainforest complete with greenery, scarlet macaws, rainforest sounds, toucans, jaguars, poison dart frogs, and the Arenal Volcano.

Certainly one positive aspect of the lockdown has been the resurgence of nature. Manatee sightings were captured off the coast of Limon province, due to the decrease of activity from ships and people in the area. It is believed that manatees have not made an appearance in the area for several years.

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

In April, St.Vincent Distillers Ltd, producer of popular local rum products in St. Vincent in the Grenadines including Sunset Very Strong Rum (84.5% alcohol strong to be exact!), pivoted to use their facility to produce hand sanitizer for the nation’s first responders. Another reason to try the local rum punch on your next visit!

Vincentian musician Jamsey P also released a song dedicated to medical front line workers in the country. “Capeless Heroes” is a heartfelt ode to all healthcare workers.

TEXAS

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) have announced US $3.6 million in funding for nursing facilities so that they are able to purchase headphones, tablets and webcams in order to connect residents with their loved ones during the pandemic. It is hoped that this program will assist Texans in nursing homes to remain connected to their loved ones while still keeping social distancing measures and protecting the health and safety of vulnerable seniors.

GERMANY

This year Munich will look a bit different from the hustle and bustle of the annual Oktoberfest. But the cancellation of this year’s Oktoberfest does not mean that you cannot experience the Bavaria-ness of Germany’s oldest and biggest beer fest. On a bit of a smaller scale, Munich is bringing some of the traditions into the city with its “Summer in the City” program. From July 22, there are several places around the city (Theresienwiese, Olympiapark, amongst other) where you can find cultural events, rides, stalls and sports to celebrate the joy of life. For more details click here.

AUSTRALIA

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation released brand new footage of the largest green turtle migration to Raine Island ever captured on film. More than 64,000 turtles can be seen on their journey to the island in the northern Great Barrier Reef to lay the eggs of the next generation of green turtles, an endangered species the Raine Island Recovery Project works tirelessly to protect.

THE PALM BEACHES

Many businesses in the Palm Beaches have shown appreciation for frontline medical workers and first responders by providing these heroes with discounts and offers. Frontline workers were encouraged to take advantage of the discounted or even free lodging at participating hotels, as well as discounted meal offers at a variety of restaurants in the area. Many businesses also created and donated masks and PPE to hospital workers and first responders.

HAWAII

The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s “Hotels for Heroes” initiative has been a great success. HVCB collaborated with HLTA to facilitate the program which aimed to provide over 2,500 room nights to first responders, healthcare workers and front-line staff statewide. Hotels and resorts from across Hawaii generously opened their doors to provide a safe respite for healthcare heroes. Feedback for the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with various healthcare organizations around the State reaching out to share their heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
For a list of all participating hotels and resorts, click here.