Girlguiding launches new badge to honour Covid-19 key workers and volunteers
30 June 2020
- Together at heart Covid-19 badge designed by Guide aged 12, to thank all key workers and volunteers working during the pandemic
- 50 per cent of badge profits will go to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal
- Girlguiding is supporting the Together campaign to celebrate all those helping the country get through this difficult time and to remember coronavirus victims on 4-5 July
Girlguiding, the UK’s leading charity for girls and young women has today launched a brand-new badge to recognise and thank all key workers and volunteers for the amazing work they are doing during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Last month the charity launched a competition for members to put their creativity to the test and design the Together at heart Covid-19 badge. There were over 1,500 entries from up and down the country, with the winning design coming from Pippa, a member of the 1st Bebington Guides, Wirral.
Pippa, 12 said: “I was completely shocked when I found out I had won the competition; I was not expecting it at all. I was over the moon!
“It's important to thank key workers because they have been risking their lives to keep us all safe. Without them, the UK would have ground to a halt. They've done an amazing job.”
The badge will go on sale today, with half of the profits to be donated to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. The remaining profits will be used by Girlguiding to help the charity to be able to continue working alongside its dedicated volunteers to offer fun, entertaining activities and support for girls and young women following the financial impact it has experienced by the pandemic.
Girlguiding volunteers have been keeping members connected with their weekly unit meetings by delivering ‘virtual guiding’, allowing hundreds of thousands of girls to continue to have fun and learn new skills and keep in touch with their friends.
Pippa is among the many members participating in virtual guiding. Pippa’s mum, Claire said:
“I’m thankful for the brilliant support Girlguiding has given girls during the crisis, for us, the activities have been one of the positive things to remember when life does finally return to normal.”
Angela Salt OBE, Girlguiding CEO said:
“Like many people, I have been humbled and heartened by the dedication and sacrifice shown by all our key workers during this difficult time. From those working on the NHS front line, to the shop workers, teachers, volunteers, refuse collectors, post deliverers – so many to mention - in keeping the country going.
“We wanted to show our appreciation for every single person and the role they are playing, and Pippa’s fantastic badge design captures this so well, and the sentiment of being temporarily physically apart but together in our hearts.
“Girlguiding is proud to be supporting the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, and the Together campaign, and we in invite everyone to join us in remembering all those who have very sadly and regrettably lost their lives. As well as thanking and celebrating all those who have supported and sustained us all.”
Ellie Orton, CEO, NHS Charities Together said: “We are really honoured that Girlguiding have chosen us to be the beneficiary of some of the proceeds from this badge, and I know it will mean a lot the NHS staff and volunteers that we support. I love Pippa’s design and hopefully others will feel the same and Girlguiding will be able to sell lots of them. It’s a great way to publicly honour all those people who have been there for us over the last few months.”
Girlguiding is supporting the Together campaign initiative calling for:
- A minute’s silence on the evening of 4 July 4 when people will be asked to light a candle in their window in remembrance of all who have died during this time.
- A return to doorsteps on Sunday 5 July, the NHS’s 72nd birthday, to extend our gratitude and say the biggest thank you possible to everyone who is helping to get through this difficult time with one final country-wide clap.
The new Together at heart Covid-19 badge is now available in our online shop.