The British Red Cross, which has long worked in partnership with the NHS, has launched a coronavirus-inspired marketing campaign to showcase the human capacity to support one another in times of crisis.
The charity’s agency VCCP, which took over from Creature London in January, has enlisted 11 UK-based artists, including graphic artist, print-maker and designer Anthony Burrill, who is best known for his typographic, text-based compositions, including Work Hard and Be Nice to People.
For this campaign each artist has produced their own artwork under the strapline: “Kindness will keep us together.”
Black and white versions the artworks are available to download from the British Red Cross online shop, with donors encouraged to colour them in and share them on social media. There is also a range of merchandise, including T-shirts and mugs, with 100 limited edition prints also on sale.
The activity is supported by a 30-second radio spot voiced by Harry Potter and Brotherhood actor Jason Isaacs. Media is being handled by MediaLab.
British Red Cross executive director Zoë Abrams said: “We are delighted to be working with artists across the UK to help spread the powerful message that although this virus may mean we are apart, kindness will keep us together.
“Today, as our nation faces this virus, we want these inspirational artworks to encourage people to take action and join our kindness movement. Remember that, though you may be anxious and uncertain, you are not powerless and you are not alone.”
The British Red Cross has worked in healthcare since being founded in 1870 and helped set up the UK’s first blood collection service in 1921.
It launched a five-year plan to help while the NHS was set up in 1948, and continues to support people both in and outside hospital, including providing ambulance support and getting patients home from hospital.
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