Tie a red ribbon round the old oak tree

A member of the Aylmer Legion Branch 33 showed solidarity to frontline workers by tying red ribbons on trees in different parts of the sector. According to the Legion’s Secretary Denise Haakman, the initiative was an expression of gratitude for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.  “Anyone on the front lines, really they’re taking their own lives into their hands by keeping on working,” she said. “It’s just a way to thank them for being there every day so we can go on with our lives and be able to get groceries and put food on the table for our families.”

Each ribbon reads “The Aylmer Legion Branch 33 thanks the frontline workers,” in both French and English. With more than a dozen ribbons tied so far, some of them can be seen at the Marina, the Chartwell Monastery and in front of the local police station.

Having just launched the initiative, Haakman said she’s hoping other residents will join in and start tying ribbons around trees in their neighbourhoods. “They don’t have to put anything on them if they don’t want to,” she said. “But the initiative is there and we’ll know that red ribbons are meant for supporting our frontline workers.”

“If Aylmer residents wish to show their appreciation as well, they’re more than welcome to tie red ribbons around trees in their neighbourhood to show the community that they’re there for them,” she added.

Haakman explained that the idea came from another Legion member, Manon Grégoire-Fleury, who is already very busy making surgical caps for healthcare workers and suggested Haakman take on the project.