It’s been a long 12 months, but on 23 March we’ll be marking 12 months since the beginning of the first national lockdown.
Leicester’s Pukaar Group has now launched its national Always In Our Thoughts campaign.
The Always In Our Thoughts campaign will invite residents to wear one of its flowers in order to publicly display support and solidarity with anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by Covid-19. It is meant as a show of support for front-line NHS workers, police staff and anyone that has suffered as a result of the pandemic.
The wearable and sustainable flower can be purchased online and once lockdown is lifted it will also be made available through retail outlets across Leicester.
The C-19 Flowers will be available for a £1 donation. All money received will be donated to the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal and Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
The campaign has been supported by Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole QPM, a trustee of COPS, who said: “Those who have been impacted by COVID are always in our thoughts.
“This national campaign is a way of putting something back as we remember those that we have lost, those who have suffered and those who have served. My police colleagues have been at the forefront throughout.
“Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity is trying to support the families of those from policing who have lost their lives. As a trustee, I would like to thank the Always in Our Thoughts campaign for supporting COPS.”
Romail Gulzar, founder of Pukaar Group and the person behind the Always In Our Thoughts campaign, said: “Covid-19 has affected millions of people worldwide. The UK experienced a huge impact which has been met with an incredible effort by our key workers.
“This has put people under huge stress. Many have lost their lives, many are suffering with the long-term effects of the virus, and many have been left alone after their loved ones were taken from them.
“People have lost jobs or a portion of their income after being furloughed. Yet they have often staunchly continued to work to help others – despite the risks to their own health and wellbeing.
“I wanted to find some way to encourage all of us to repay the kindness of these workers. The Always In Our Thoughts campaign will provide donations to charities that support those in need during this crucial period.”
Those wishing to show their support can purchase a flower online at www.alwaysinourthoughts.com. Their donation will go entirely towards the two charities.