“I wasn’t expecting a world-wide response, but it has been really great to see!”
It started as a way of expressing support for family, friends, and neighbours.
Prince George resident Bailey Grose posted an idea to social media of sticking cut-out hearts on her window, along with the hashtag #heartsofpg, encouraging others in the community to do the same.
Her movement immediately became a phenomenon and spread like wildfire in B.C., eventually making its way across Canada and around the world, invoking others to go outside, maintain a safe distance and show love for everyone during a time of uncertainty and difficulty.
It was on this day in 2020 (March 17) Grose’s influence began, three days after Northern Health recorded its first two cases of COVID-19 and six days after the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) declared the pandemic.
If you drive across Prince George, you’ll see those cut-outs still in windows of homes and businesses, which Grose says has brought joy to her own heart.
“Hearts of PG changed my perspective on a lot of things,” she tells PrinceGeorgeMatters, noting the thrill of ‘going viral’ was an eye-opening experience for herself.
“I was pleasantly surprised at how many people over the entire globe were willing to do such a small thing that together would make a huge impact on so many people. I feel so elated that my idea could bring so much happiness to so many people, so easily.”
In an earlier interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters when #heartsofpg started, Grose explained the idea actually came to her based on a similar trend with shamrocks in honour of St. Patrick’s Day, which also happens to be today.
As the shamrock may not apply entirely to all residents, she subbed it out for the heart, hoping Prince George could once again step up as a community as it notably has for several years for other hardship-related circumstances.
The response was overwhelming for the mother of two young children, but she hoped people would feel happy and supported, especially those who live on their own.
"What we are going through is new and hard,” said Grose two days after her post went viral.
“It’s difficult feeling isolated and that we can not help. I hope people still feel connected doing this, that they are helping make an enjoyable bright memory for someone in a dark time."
#heartsofpg also became an addition to many other forms of showing support during COVID-19.
Neighbours were banging pots and pans at 7 p.m. in cheering for front-line health-care and essential workers, parades were also held in their honour, as well as those for birthdays, anniversaries and other events that had to change format due to restrictions on indoor/outdoor public gatherings.
Grose says other Facebook groups were subsequently created thanks to her idea, including #aworldofhearts2020 (New Brunswick), A World of Hearts and Kindness (Edmonton), #worldofhearts (Minnesota) and Heart Hunters (Illinois).
As the pandemic continues in 2021, vaccinations and immunization plans now in play for B.C., Canada and across the globe.
Grose hopes those still dealing with loneliness and other mental-health struggles during the pandemic can be comforted when they see a single cut-out heart placed on a window.
“As we move into the next year and really feel the brunt of COVID-19 burnout, I hope that the hearts that are still up remind people that we all still care, for each other, our teachers, health care workers and all front-line and essential workers.”
#heartsofpg was even supported by Mr. PG, who waved a heart flag in April 2020.
Its Facebook page has grown to nearly 6,000 members, some as far as Italy and Antarctica.
