Š Reuters/Eduardo Munoz
New York, NY
Clapping for Carers: The World Cheers on Essential Workers
All around the world, people have been sharing their appreciation for the essential workers still operating during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Whether by leaning out of car windows, clapping from balconies, or banging pots and pans, the public wants to show their gratitude for the workers who routinely put their lives at risk to resume essential services. This is how three major cities show their appreciation for the tireless efforts of essential workers.
NEW YORK, USA One Thursday in New York, these acts of gratitude led to a rousing collective rendition of the Bill Withers 1972 song "Lean on Me," organized by the Peace of Heart Choir nonprofit in New York City. The event, which happens weekly, is called 'New York Sings Along' and is meant to boost morale and honor workers on the front lines of COVID-19. Robert Hornsby, director of fundraising at the choir, said that the weekly sing-alongs have boosted the energy and lifted the spirits of New Yorkers. Grateful citizens get the chance to share the healing power of music while maintaining a safe social distance. Each week, the nonprofit selects a positive, well-known song and plays it after the applause for essential workers - from Frank Sinatra's "New York" to the Ben E. King classic "Stand by Me." It brings joy to the hearts of many to know that as long as there is a song to sing, New Yorkers will be there to sing it.
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