Residents Encouraged to Participate from a Social Distance and Virtually
April 22, 2020
PROVIDENCE, RI— Mayor Jorge O. Elorza announced that the City of Providence will host a Citywide Good Night Lights to thank the frontline healthcare workers that have continued to fight against the spread of COVID-19 while recognizing patients hospitalized by the virus and wish the residents of Hasbro Children’s Hospital goodnight.
“I want to thank all of our healthcare workers that have tirelessly continued to go to work each day to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “They are our heroes during these difficult and uncertain times, each day risking their health to protect the lives of others. The entire City of Providence thanks them for their service.”
Police and fire vehicles will begin to blink their lights at 8:00PM and parade from Rhode Island Hospital on Eddy Street towards India Point Park at 8:30PM. The vehicles will then process towards Miriam Hospital before returning to service. The East Providence Police Department will participate by blinking lights across the Narragansett Bay towards the hospitals.
“During these uncertain times, it is imperative that we acknowledge the dedication of those who are serving on the front lines, and caring for those who have fallen ill during this pandemic,” said Commissioner of Public Safety Steven Paré. “Thank you to our health care workers in Providence and throughout Rhode Island for their service to the community. I also commend the men and women of the Providence Police and Fire Departments for their unwavering commitment to public safety during this crisis.”
Residents are encouraged to participate on their porches or in their cars, while following all of the recommended hygiene and social distance guidelines, and to share their video of blinking lights on social media using the tag #GoodNightLightsPVD.
“This Citywide Good Night Lights display will be a needed show of support for all those who are hospitalized including patients contending with the Coronavirus,” said Good Night Lights Founder Steve Brosnihan. “It will also be a chance to emphatically thank the medical caregivers working so hard in our hospitals at this time. Good Night Lights have continued to thrive during these dark days, fulfilling its mission of sending a signal of hope to patients and caregivers alike. Tonight’s display will provide the chance for the City of Providence to showcase its kindness and gratitude through both the participating vehicles and those creating remote displays of support in their own homes.”
In addition to recognizing the work of our frontline workers, residents are encouraged to continue sharing and submitting acts of kindness they have experienced or witnessed through the City’s Kindness Portal.