Lawn signs thank Alberta medical workers during COVID-19 pandemic

Lawn signs could soon be popping up in Alberta yards, but the push isn’t to promote an election candidate.

Instead, a small group of Albertans says it wants to thank the hard work of medical staff in the province as they grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The signs thank nurses, doctors, paramedics and medical staff with a link to ThankABhealth.ca.

“This idea was started by a small group of local Albertans who just wanted to bring some light in these very dark times right now,” said Tanya Schuman, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Alberta.

“I think it will be a great message and a message of gratitude to everyone putting in the hard work.”

Schuman and her husband Philip said limitations with social distancing have made it difficult to show how much health-care workers are appreciated.

“For us, it really hits home,” said Philip Schuman.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "For us, it really hits home," said Philip Schuman.

“Anybody else gets to stay home — we’re told to stay home and isolate but they’re on the front-lines really working.”

The couple said it has been overwhelmed by the support and didn’t anticipate the demand they’ve seen so far.

The signs are being sold for $20 each, and the group is asking that people also donate shipping costs if possible.

The profits raised by the signs will be donated to local food banks.

The website states Albertans unite in a time of crisis and urged people to show health workers how much they are appreciated.

“Our nurses, doctors, paramedics, and medical staff are putting in the hard work putting themselves at risk to keep us healthy,” reads the website.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Our nurses, doctors, paramedics, and medical staff are putting in the hard work putting themselves at risk to keep us healthy," reads the website.

“In this time when community is more important than ever, show your genuine appreciation for those working hard to keep us safe and healthy.”

READ MORE: ‘Truly heroes’: Tributes pour in for doctors, nurses fighting coronavirus pandemic

The group said all profits raised by the lawn signs will be donated to local food banks.

The initiative was promoted by Edmonton city councillor Jon Dziadyk, who said in a tweet the signs would help Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“It’s been heartwarming,” said Philip Schuman, “It really shows who Albertans are, right? We are strong and we will get through this.”​

3:53 How to support health-care workers during the COVID-19 crisis