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Rally supporting health-care workers takes place in London, Ont.

Londoners participating in the Love is Better than Hate Rally outside Victoria Hospital on Feb. 5, 2022. Scott Monich/980 CFPL

Londoners had a chance to show their appreciation for health-care workers Saturday afternoon.

A Love is Better Than Hate rally took place on the sidewalks outside the Victoria Hospital campus from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“It felt like the right time to spread some love to health-care workers,” said rally organizer Dr. Abe Oudshoorn, an associate professor of nursing at Western University.

Oudshoorn recalled watching the news last week on the trucker convoy taking place in Ottawa.

“It’s too much, it’s too heavy … there’s something in the air and it’s not love, (so) it’s time,” he said. “It’s been a while since we’ve showed this love, (so) let’s prop up our incredible health-care workers.”

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Londoners were invited to make signs to show their support and appreciation.

“We’ve had a couple of nurses come out and thank us, (so) we’ve had some great support,” said Oudshoorn.

Londoners participating in the Love is Better than Hate Rally outside Victoria Hospital on Feb. 5, 2022. Scott Monich/980 CFPL

Retired healthcare worker Kristine, who did not disclose her last name, came to the rally to show support.

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“We’re all tired, but we need to show them love as they continue to work on the frontlines under some stressful healthcare conditions.”

Attendees were asked to remain on the sidewalks and to not enter hospital property.

Masking and social distancing were in place.

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Around 70 people attended the rally Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, London police have closed down Commissioners Road between Wellington Road and Adelaide Street due to a convoy that entered London early Saturday afternoon.

“It’s weird timing with the convoy,” said Oudshoorn. “We’re doing our own thing, they’re doing their own thing, and it’s no problem I guess, just weird,” he laughed.

Other road closures include Wellington Street between Dufferin and Central avenues, and Dufferin Avenue between Wellington and Waterloo streets.

– with files from 980 CFPL’s Mike Stubbs 

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