FLAG (Frontline Appreciation Group) Saratoga Relaunches to Support Front Line Workers During Next Surge of COVID-19
Press Release Credit: FLAG Saratoga
Saratoga Springs, NY – January 10, 2022 – The founders of FLAG Saratoga have relaunched their grassroots campaign to support local frontline workers at a time when hospitals and healthcare workers are being significantly strained again by the pandemic.
FLAG Saratoga was founded in the spring of 2020 by four Saratoga residents: Nadine Burke, Becky Kern, Andrea Macy and Lisa Munter. In less than two months they raised more than $40,000 which resulted in more than 4,000 meals and gift cards delivered to over 30 different hospital departments, nursing homes, fire, police and EMS departments throughout Saratoga.
“We have been asked to restart our efforts and due to the outpouring of support that we received the last time, we knew we could quickly mobilize to help out,” said co-founder, Lisa Munter. “Our community is filled with so many generous and resilient people who are always willing to give back and help each other,” Munter added. “We are counting on this support so we can pass it along to our healthcare workers who really need it.”
Working alongside the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, the group is raising money through the Chamber’s dedicated fundraising page on their website. All money will go directly into providing meals, snacks and other resources needed.
“We’re proud to team up with FLAG of Saratoga and the Saratoga Hospital Foundation to show our gratitude to our frontline heroes,” said Todd Shimkus, president, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Our board, led by Tara Pleat, voted unanimously to help with seed funding to kickstart FLAG’s efforts. We look forward to working alongside the community to give back to our healthcare workers and first responders who continue to work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy throughout this pandemic.”
“These heartwarming expressions of support couldn’t come at a better time. Our team has been fighting the pandemic for nearly two years, and they are exhausted,” said Toni Bishop-McWain, vice president and chief nursing officer at Saratoga Hospital. "Lately, some are discouraged because much of the recent sickness and death could have been prevented. Yet, as I see firsthand every day, they remain committed to taking care of each patient with skill and compassion. FLAG’s reminder that our frontline workers are valued and not alone will mean the world to them.”To learn more, visit their Facebook Group at FLAG Saratoga or on Instagram at @Flagsaratoga.
To donate visit: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/saratoga-county-foundation-inc/flag-for-saratoga.
For more information about FLAG Saratoga or media inquiries please contact Becky Kern at beckykernpr@gmail.com.
Watch WNYT's coverage of FLAG's recent efforts
