Kawartha Lakes council declares support for frontline workers, stresses shop local message

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Lakes councillors stated their support for frontline healthcare workers and local businesses, at a meeting on Tuesday, May 18th.

During the announcements portion of the meeting, Mayor Andy Letham talked about Personal Support Workers’ (PSW) day, held on Wednesday, May 19th.

“We certainly know all they’ve done over the past year, so if you get a chance today or tomorrow to see a PSW, please say ‘hi’ and please say ‘thank you,’” he said.

On a similar note, Deputy Mayor Pat O’Reilly noted nurses’ week was held during the week of May 10th to May 16th. “We know all of the stresses the nurses have been going through,” he said.

Ward 2 Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan stressed the importance of shopping locally during this pandemic.

“The businesses are open. Restaurants are open for takeout, and the shops are open for curbside pickup. So, [we should] all go out and support our local businesses because it’s been very difficult for them and we want to keep them here. If we don’t support them, we won’t be keeping them here. I think it’s a really important message for everybody to try and do their part with this,” she stated. She also declared her support for the city’s police officers, paramedics and firefighters.

“I just want to give a huge shout-out to our police force, and our EMS, and our fire departments. I know they are working under a lot of pressure and it’s stressful times for all of them, so I just wanted to say thank you.”