Dec 30, 2020
Hope. Fight. Unity.
In March of 2020, stay-at-home orders began to go into effect across the U.S. COVID-19 was becoming a serious problem. I remember getting to work and seeing a vast expanse of an empty parking lot and thinking, “Everything we’ve worked so hard for as a society is in jeopardy.” The first highway sign that I saw reading, “STOP THE SPREAD. STAY AT HOME,” was surreal.
I thought about local tragedies such as mass shootings when the communities rally around the incident and band together. Usually, there is a ribbon or symbol created to unify the community.
We needed a global symbol to unify in the fight against COVID-19. Fast forward to November 2020, Unity Bands became a reality.
Unity Bands is a non-profit project designed to support COVID-19 response and research efforts and improve community morale during the pandemic. All profits from the sale of these customized wristbands go to efforts including the University of Maryland Medical System.
The goals of Unity Bands:
- Raise $10,000 for COVID-19 response and research efforts
- Create a global sense of unity as we all continue to fight the disease
- Provide bands in numerous states and countries
Results (as of 12/20/2020):
- Donated $615 to the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins University and Medicine
- Shipped 180 Unity Bands to eight U.S. states, Brazil, and Italy
“We are incredibly grateful for your interest in wanting to support the University of Maryland Medical Center in helping our COVID-19 response efforts. The need for philanthropic support has reached a new level of urgency and your support will allow us to provide the very best care to our patients who have been terribly afflicted by this disease. On behalf of our staff, our patients and their families we thank you for your kindness.” -University of Maryland Medical System Foundation
Like us on Facebook and check in on updates
John Schirrippa is the founder of Unity Bands. Full-time, he is a Knowledge Manager for United States Cyber Command and has worked for the Defense Department since 2004. He is a trainer and operational member with the Annapolis — Anne Arundel County Community Emergency Response Team and holds a Master of Science degree in Emergency Services Management.
