– Irish businesses join global campaign in appreciation of cleaners –
The work of our cleaners may often go unseen, but their role is now more important than ever as we learn to live with the pandemic. That’s according to the Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) whose members today (21.10.20) celebrate the third annual Thank Your Cleaner Day initiative in Ireland, powered by Kärcher.
The ICCA, whose membership represents approximately 27,000 people working within the commercial cleaning industry across Ireland, has today highlighted the challenges which essential workers in the cleaning sector have faced in light of the pandemic.
Speaking today about the initiative, Avril McCarthy, Chair of the Irish Contract Cleaning Association, said: “This is the third year that we’ve been celebrating Thank Your Cleaner Day here in Ireland, and I think we’ll all agree that the cheer for our essential workers across the contract cleaning sector should be louder than ever before.
“Our contract cleaners really have been heroic this year. From the first uncertainties of lockdown when many operatives found themselves moving from office blocks and commercial outlets into the higher-skilled and higher-risk health settings, through to enabling our economy to reopen, and stay open, safely. Even as we navigate the increased public health guidelines, our cleaners have risen to every challenge to keep everyone safe.
“We’re incredibly proud of all our members and are delighted to see Irish businesses across Ireland embracing Thank Your Cleaner Day in a year when their cleaners have gone above and beyond in the most unprecedented circumstance.”
Socially distant celebrations
Irish contract cleaning companies have also been celebrating their staff today, working within the increased public health restrictions to make on-site presentations wherever possible.
Nugent Contract Cleaning has been visiting staff in Dublin to deliver cupcakes, flowers and gift vouchers while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Director, Sinead Nugent said: “Our staff often come and go unseen on client sites, even more so this year as we reduce social contact, so we thought it was important to do what we can in person today. It’s important that our staff feel recognised and appreciated.”
Managers and supervisors at SOS Cleaning Services will also visit client sites today to deliver cards and gifts to their 300 staff. Others, such as Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists, are celebrating with staff across the country online by circulating video messages from clients and entering staff into virtual prize draws.
John Doyle, Head Porter in CHI at Temple Street, expressed his thanks to Derrycourt cleaners on behalf of Temple Street Children’s Hospital, commenting: “I would like to say a big thank you to the real unsung heroes in the battle with COVID19. To all the cleaners working here in Temple Street – thank you for keeping us safe, our patients safe and thank you for being in this battle with us. Well done!”
