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Outdoor celebrities back new #GiveCOVIDtheBoot campaign

Written by Fiona

April 10 2020

A new campaign #GiveCOVIDtheBoot that appeals to people to stay home, especially over the Easter weekend, has been given the backing of some big names in the outdoor world.

Cameron McNeish, Alastair Humphreys and Ed Stafford are among dozens of outdoors enthusiasts who have got behind the latest appeal that aims to saves lives and protect the NHS and other front line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Friends Lorna Kerr and Ollie Bray came up with the idea to unite the outdoor community in a fun but virtual way by recording videos of them throwing a boot between friends.

Lorna, who works for Education Scotland, said: “It is called ‘Give COVID the boot’ and the idea is simple but powerful. We are asking people to get into virtual adventure teams – for example their hillwalking group, an old university climbing club, a mountain rescue team, it doesn’t matter.

“Then we want everyone to record a short clip of one adventurer throwing a hiking boot, ski boot, shoe, trainer, whatever, to the next. Someone then edits the footage together into one sequence. The video can then be shared online with the hashtag #GiveCOVIDtheBoot.”

#GiveCovidtheBoot video

The plan was only hatched on Tuesday night by Lorna and Ollie, but it was immediately given the support of their friends and several outdoor celebrities. IN the promo reel you can see Scottish wilderness presenter McNeish, National Geographic Adventurer of the year Humpreys and explorer and adventurer Ed Stafford each throwing a boot.

Ollie, who works for LEGO Foundation, said: “Social distancing includes geographical distancing. During the COVID-19 pandemic being social is more important than ever before but this needs to be done virtually.

“We hope that the #GiveCOVIDtheBoot campaign will bring people together, trigger some adventure memories that will lead to a few smiles and remind us that we can still be together, while staying at home.”

The grass roots campaign has also been formally backed by Scottish Mountain Rescue. Chair Damon Powell said: “We know it is hard, it’s hard for us too, but so far the public has responded well to the message to stay at home.

“But we also know that Easter weekend will be a huge temptation. Initiatives such as #GiveCOVIDtheBoot provides a lighthearted approach to communicate a serious message, while still virtually bringing people together.”

Lorna added that while she – and many other outdoors enthusiasts – are obviously keen to get back to the mountains, if we don’t comply with the lockdown rules to stay home, stay local then lockdown may tighten. She said: “The more people who stay home the quicker we will hopefully be able to get back to normality and into the hills and mountains. We want to make a difference to the outcome of the Covid-19 crisis.”

Ochils MRT #GiveCOVIDtheBoot video

How to make a #GiveCOVIDtheBoot video

Virtually gather your friends. Your current hiking group, your old university climbing club, your ski mountaineering buddies, your bothy pals, your bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award group.

Ed Stafford throws a boot.
Cameron McNeish has backed the campaign.

Then collaborate to put together a short video of one adventurer throwing a hiking boot, ski boot, shoe, trainer (whatever you like) to the next. The campaign has put together an example below to show you and there are guidelines on how to make the video.

Make sure you add the Give COVID the Boot logo to the end of the video.

Finally, up-load your co-created creation to social media and use the hashtag #GiveCOVIDtheBoot so the story can be promoted.

Boost the campaign by searching for other #GiveCOVIDtheBoot videos and giving them a “like” and share.

For more details about how to get involved – including filming tips – see GiveCovidtheBoot.

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