Mr. PG has joined a local campaign to spread some cheer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The iconic roadside attraction is flying a heart flag as part of the Hearts in PG campaign created by resident Bailey Grouse. Grouse put a heart up in the window of her home to show some community support while public health measures are in place requiring people to keep their distance. Her idea spread on Facebook and hearts can be seen in windows throughout the city and beyond.
“I knew we would all be spending a lot more time at home and a lot more time apart at least physically, which can be hard – especially for children and parents with kids,” Grose said in a press release. “I thought this could be a way that our community could get outside and do something fun without getting too close to one another. So we started a Facebook group and a hashtag #heartsofpg, and encouraged everyone to ‘heart hunt’ by walking their neighbourhoods and seeing how many hearts they can see in the windows. I wasn’t expecting a world-wide response, but it has been really great to see!”
More than 6,000 people have joined the Hearts of PG Facebook group, with people posting photos of hearts from their own homes as far away as Italy and Antarctica.
“There is no bigger symbol of Prince George than Mr. PG and there has been no better symbol of the spirit of our city during these uncertain times than the hearts of PG we now see in windows throughout the city,” Mayor Lyn Hall said in a press release. “On behalf of council, I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks to Bailey for her ingenuity, creativity, and sense of fun at a time when people desperately need it.”
Mr PG will turn 60 on May 8. Like many others, his birthday celebrations have been cancelled because of restrictions on public gatherings.
The city is working with local organizations to offer activities related to Mr. PG that residents can enjoy from home or while practicing physical distancing. For more information, go online to www.princegeorge.ca/mrpg.
