Burlington Rolls Out Stars of Hope Program in Response to COVID-19

These are challenging times. Our physical health is not the only thing we need to focus on - our mental health is just as important.Right now, we must remember to lean into the good. Despite the physical social distancing that is necessary at this time, we can still strengthen our social interactions with art.The City of Burlington, in co-ordination with the Global Ambassador for the Stars of Hope Program US, is keeping unity going with a globally-adopted Digital Stars of HOPE Community Project! This is a unique disaster relief and community arts program that empowers kids and adults to transform communities impacted by disasters through colourful art and messages of hope and healing.This program officially went viral on Wednesday, March 18 and we are the first Canadian municipality to roll this out in our community! We encourage families to CREATE HOPE FROM HOME!

1. Download the Stars of Hope Printout star template and print it on paper, or make your own star of any size at home out of whatever materials you like - bristol board, cardboard, wood, fabric - anything;
2. Decorate your Star of HOPE and use your creative imagination…crayons, markers, colour pencils, magazine clippings, glitter, etc. - the options are limitless;
3. Remember to show #kindness and have an #openheart;
4. Share and tag your star on social using #starsofhope;
5. Challenge your friends and family to create HOPE for others by spreading the news; and
6. Place your star on your window or door where people can see it to keep inspiring hope across the City of Burlington!

PLEASE NOTE: To stay updated on what the City of Burlington is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit the dedicated pages burlington.ca/coronavirus (and subscribe) and bit.ly/mayormeedwardCOVID19updates that will be updated as new information becomes available.