Ahead of Easter weekend, Aviva Insurance Ireland has commissioned Dublin spoken-word poet Stephen James Smith to pen a rousing piece capturing a heartfelt message of gratitude to the Health Service Executive, featuring Aviva Stadium lit up in the corporate colours of green and red of the HSE.
It is another mark of how the brand has sought to really think through ways of making their iconic sponsorship work, following on from activities relating to a sensory room at the Stadium and lighting it up for last year’s Pride.
As part of the tribute to Ireland’s frontline workers, they will continue to light up Aviva Stadium in green and red every Friday evening during the month of April.
Stephen James Smith’s poem features in the new Aviva short film which uses key moments of unity at Irish rugby and soccer matches in Aviva stadium to emphasise the importance of Ireland continuing to unite as a country to help show our support for the real front line, our healthcare workers.
“This is about our future, it’s about teamwork… there is no strength without unity, now we unite with gestures of goodwill as we pause to applaud… We think of family and friends, those that are vulnerable. So, we do what we can by staying apart, playing our part, we are all accountable… we want to touch but the front line should be the last line, we thank you all so much.”
The video utilises the brand-new LED and lighting system installed in Aviva Stadium intended for EURO2020 to portray messages of support and thanks to the HSE.
This is the third piece Aviva have collaborated with Stephen James Smith on – the first being ‘Earned the spotlight’ in support of the Women’s National Team, and the Second ‘Slam it home’ for Ireland’s 2018 St Patrick’s Day Grand Slam win against England.
In honour of Ireland’s healthcare workers, Aviva Insurance Ireland will also donate hundreds of international rugby and soccer tickets, inviting HSE frontline staff to upcoming games at Aviva Stadium in 2020 and 2021 once international sport resumes.
In addition, Aviva is providing a range of extra insurance supports for our customers working in the Health Service Executive (HSE) and healthcare workers.
“Aviva were delighted to work with Stephen James Smith on this piece,” said Sponsorship Manager Lisa Bergin.
“We have collaborated with Stephen in the past and he has a true gift with words. The perfect person to compel our deepest thoughts and gratitude to healthcare workers who are doing all that they can on the frontline. Ahead of this Easter weekend, it is important that we listen to government advice and stay at home.”
“As a small gesture of our thanks for asking so much of so few during this uncertain time, we will be making free tickets available to our frontline staff once it is safe for the doors of Aviva Stadium to open once again.”
The piece was produced with the assistance of the Aviva Stadium, the FAI, the IRFU, RTÉ, Aperture Media and others.
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