It’s been truly heartbreaking to see our community taking such a hit. Small businesses and freelancers in particular have taken a knock by the country grinding to a halt due to COVID-19.
Week 2 in lockdown has got us as a team feeling every different type of emotion. But one thing that’s inspiring us is the wealth of creative and innovative responses coming from our local talent.
One initiative that is lending a helping hand is from local photographer Carl Sukonik in collaboration with consultancy Down at the Social.
The team have commissioned local artist Harrison Edwards to create a t-shirt which captures the spirit of the city and raises funds for local freelancers and small businesses in Greater Manchester.
Harrison is known for his whimsical illustrations around Manchester, including Crazy Pedro’s iconic artwork.
Working as a collective of Manchester based creatives, the team’s brilliant response is helping to combat the tragedy caused by COVID-19 on our local business community by providing a little extra cash-flow at a time when it’s needed most.
“As a team we have lost clients and have also seen people we work with suffer. From event managers to photographers, as events and projects have been cancelled, those that work for themselves and don’t have ongoing contracts and job security have lost thousands”.
“We’re launching this scheme to help companies and freelancers get through this and we hope that everyone who can, will help.” Daisy Whitehouse, MD of Down at the Social.
ALL profit from t-shirt sales will be put into a pot to help connect freelancers who have lost work with small businesses who are without marketing budgets to help them all keep trading.
All freelancers will be paid a fixed rate of £50 for a half day or £100 for a whole day.
The t-shirts are available for purchase now over on the GoodNewsMCR site for £14.99 plus postage (£3.50)
If you’re a freelancer out of work, or a local business in need of some help with your marketing, get in touch with the team here.
