Put a match to your bad memories with 'The Great Burnout of COVID 2020' fundraiser Dec. 27

For anyone who is feeling burned out by the loss, isolation, and illness caused by the pandemic, “The Great Burnout of COVID 2020” offers an opportunity for the community to join together to eliminate negative memories of the past year and focus on hopes for the future.

The Rotary Club of Naperville Downtown, in recognition of the great toll COVID-19 has had on everyone's mental health, is asking you to burn your most harmful, hurtful memories in a giant bonfire on Sunday, Dec. 27.

“The Great Burnout of COVID 2020” will be held at precisely 5:44 p.m. at a local park, and viewers will be able to tune into a Facebook live broadcast to see their troubles transformed into light and warmth, leading us to better days ahead.

To learn how to participate in “The Great Burnout of COVID 2020,” visit www.covidburnout.org.

The fundraiser will benefit Loaves & Fishes and National Alliance on Mental Illness DuPage (NAMI DuPage). Both nonprofits are working with increased numbers of people who need the community's support to better survive this difficult time.

The covidburnout.org website provides information on how to submit your burning issues and how to make a donation. It also provides extensive information about the needs in this community and the services provided by Loaves & Fishes and NAMI DuPage.

Kevin McQuillan, president of the Rotary Club of Naperville Downtown, said, “Given the physical and mental health burdens this pandemic has caused, our members believe it is important for our club to get behind and promote this fundraiser for these two worthy causes.”

Contributions of at least $20 will help Loaves & Fishes feed many who are facing serious food challenges and will allow NAMI DuPage to work with those who have lost their jobs or homes or who have seen their families torn apart by this pandemic.

The link to watch the giant bonfire is www.facebook.com/RCNapervilleDowntown/.

“The Great Burnout of COVID 2020” is co-sponsored by Grow Wellness Group Counseling and Therapy, Revere Court of Bolingbrook, and Paul Gregory Media.

McQuillan added, “While we cannot get together physically as we free ourselves from the challenges we experienced this past year, we can be together in spirit and virtually as a community. We can be the flames of hope that light the way for others.”