Local organization launches 'Proud To Protect Pittsburgh' campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development announced a new campaign aimed at keeping Pittsburgh safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Proud to Protect Pittsburgh" is touted by the organization as a grassroots appeal from Pittsburghers to Pittsburghers "to instill a sense of pride in doing what's right to protect our 10-county region and the people, communities, Main Street businesses, restaurants and other local establishments, and assets and amenities that make our region special," according to the release.

Stefani Pashman, the Allegheny Conference CEO, told KDKA Radio's Lynne Hayes-Freeland said the idea for the campaign grew out of survey results that show that about 55% of people are not consistently wearing a mask.

She said "Our job is to influence those people, especially the 55% who aren't sure if they're gonna wear their mask and are thinking about it; we need to say to them, 'don't forget, get it done.'

The campaign will feature notable celebrities promoting the message of doing the right thing.

"It's game time for the people of Pittsburgh in our fight against COVID-19," said entrepreneur and football great Franco Harris, who has signed on as campaign spokesman. "We have to team up and work together.  That will help us protect each other, our hospitals, schools, businesses and our entire economy, and put us on a path to once again enjoying our favorite parts of Pittsburgh."

Sally Wiggin, broadcast news veteran and former WTAE-TV anchor, adds, "Vaccines are on the way, but they won't be widely available for some time. Until then, each of us can take Pittsburgh pride in doing the smart things to protect ourselves and everybody we know and love. Pittsburgh, we've got this, and before too long we'll have another reason to celebrate."

The movement is being funded by businesses such as Giant Eagle, Duquesne Light, Highmark Health, PNC Financial Services Group, UMPC and many others.

Employers, businesses and social media influencers are being asked to help spread the message throughout the holiday season.

More information about the effort can be found at proudtoprotectpittsburgh.com.