Look for the Helpers
In times of crisis and stress, I like to harken back to what Fred (Mr.)Rogers’ mom told him during difficult times. As a child, when he would see something that scared him on the news, she would say, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Throughout his life, especially in times of trouble, these words would comfort him as he was reminded that, despite how bad things become, there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world. So, taking my cue from Mr. R, I sought out to find “the helpers” of our most recent crisis-Covid-19.
Who says that all big companies are greedy and self-serving? Using elements of their footwear, Nike is working with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in creating full-face shields and powered, air-purifying respirator lenses to protect frontline workers. “Without proper facial protection, healthcare workers are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, which could place substantial strain on the healthcare workforce in the months ahead,” said Miko Enomoto, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine, OHSU School of Medicine. “The full-face shields help protect healthcare workers’ faces and also help to prolong the length we can safely use a surgical or N95 mask. Nike’s generous response to the COVID-19 crisis helps to instill an added layer of confidence and support for healthcare workers, that we can safely carry out the jobs we were born to do.”
Then there’s Mario Salerno, who has 18 apartment buildings in and around Brooklyn. Not wanting renters to worry about their payments, he has canceled April rents. He said in an interview that he did not care about losing his rental income for the month. With 200 to 300 tenants in total, he is likely writing off hundreds of thousands of dollars in income. His only interest, he said, was in alleviating stress for his renters. “My concern is everyone’s health. I told them just to look out for your neighbor and make sure that everyone has food on their table.”
Traveling across the ocean to Turkey, I found Jeffrey Tucker. Each day he lowers a basket from his window with supplies for the poor and homeless people who are living amid the virus outbreak in Istanbul. He calls them “solidarity baskets.” He got the idea from a movement that was started in Naples, Italy by two street musicians. Read more about how their compassionate idea came to fruition here.
Back in New York, I found a story about The Sikh Center. Here, members of this community have prepared and delivered 30,000 free meals to Americans living in self-isolation. They use their own funds and stock of donated foods to make these home-made meals themselves. The food is prepared following social distancing, as well as gloves and face masks, to ensure that volunteers stay safe.
Ever stay at the Four Seasons? Me neither. Well, if you are a health worker in New York City you can. After watching Governor Cuomo’s press conferences Ty Warner, the founder of the company that owns the hotel, stated: “Our health care workers are working tirelessly on the front lines of this crisis. Many of those working in New York City have to travel long distances to and from their homes after putting in 18-hour days. They need a place close to work where they can rest and regenerate. I heard Governor Cuomo’s call to action during one of his press conferences, and there was no other option for us but do whatever we could to help.” One grateful worker stated, “I’ve never stayed in a hotel room this nice in my life. In the middle of my shift when things are getting chaotic and I’m eight hours in, it’s so nice to fall back on the idea that I have a place to go that is fairly close by and beautiful.”
Whoever heard of an altruistic insurance company? Well, at least two are giving back premiums to their insureds. “Shelter-in-place” directives have lowered claims volume considerably, so Allstate and American Family are giving premium refunds to their insureds. Between the two companies, they are giving refunds of $800 million. This will surely be appreciated as so many are being financially impacted by this disease.
The most incredible effort that we have seen, however, is with the worlds’ response to the “call to action” to forego their own desires and stay home to protect the vulnerable. This global altruism is as unprecedented as the times in which we find ourselves. We are true “neighbors” and Mr. Rogers would be proud.
