vol. 114 / HopeHope. It’s the key to our ability to persevere, to push forward, and to rise.
VOL. 114 / HOPE
Hope. It's the key to our ability to persevere, to push forward, and to rise in the face of struggle. It's the key to our existence. Look around for glimpses of it. Here are a few examples happening right now as our neighbors create hope in this place we call home.
Artists for
Hope
In the midst of the current health emergency, Richmond artist Ed Trask is doing what he does best—using his brush to show his love for the community he has spent decades painting. Trask has gathered a list of all-star artists from the Richmond area to form "Artists For Hope" in an effort to auction pieces of art every Friday with 100% of proceeds supporting a variety of local causes. Hamilton Glass, Matt Lively, Steve Hedberg, Mickael Broth, and more are hosting auctions on their individual Instagram and Facebook pages with the highest bidder receiving an original creation each week that supports a good cause selected by the artist. Richmond Grid is partnering with Artists for Hope and is providing an ongoing list of participating artists, the cause they are supporting, and where to follow them to bid on their creations!
Here Weekly and Richmond Grid have joined forces with RVA based Naborforce to spread kindness to others through Kindnessgrams. The goal is to make it simple for anyone, anywhere to offer help to older, at-risk neighbors who are home alone as we practice social distancing. All you need to do is download a Kindnessgram from Naborforce, print it out, and place it at your neighbor's door with an offer to help. Common requests include an extra hand getting groceries or supplies, dropping off a puzzle, or even just talking on the phone so they don't feel alone during these uncertain times. "There are so many offers on social media and online of kind-hearted people offering help. But many seniors are not online—it’s those who are most isolated and need access to help," explains Paige Wilson, founder of Naborforce.
Richmond is known for many things. But, the thing that really sets us apart is our ability to roll up our selves, join forces, and create when we're forced with adversity. Home to some of the most talented and resilient makers around, Richmond's creative force has responded to the current health crisis by making personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. RVA Makers (pictured), VAunite, HandsOn Greater Richmond, and Community Foundation have come together to create a PPE Factory to provide masks, shields, and more for those on the front lines. This grassroots community response is actively gathering materials, making PPE, and distributing life saving supplies to those who need it most in our community. Other efforts by Richmonders working night and day to create PPE include Build RVA, Shockoe Atelier, and more.
