Amanda from Happy@Home has been coordinating the Volunteer Centre’s Crisis Shoppers, so no one could have said thank you so personally and beautifully…
I am absolutely in awe of the wonderful Volunteers that have come forward in this time of crisis to help with shopping for the most vulnerable in their community. They are from all walks of life and no one is twisting their arms to do it – they give up their time freely and happily (whether furloughed, still working, been made redundant, retired or students). They have stood patiently in long supermarket queues come rain or shine, particularly at the beginning of the crisis, trying to get as many items off the list as possible, even when the shelves were stripped bare.
They don’t consider it a chore for themselves and so they don’t just drop the shopping and go. They are so warm hearted, cheery and caring that they stop to chat (at a safe distance), they check the person’s wellbeing, they ask if there is anything else the vulnerable need and they bring cheer to the frightened and lonely. These lovely Volunteers go out of their way to source scarce items whether that is flour or a particular wash in hair dye (let’s face it most people feel lifted when their hair is done!)
The Volunteers go above and beyond any expectations and over and over again I am amazed at their commitment to making a difference. Some are also telephone befriending the lonely and isolated too. No matter how late in the day a request comes in for an emergency food shop there are always Volunteers ready and willing to help.
The feedback from the vulnerable receiving the shopping service has been an overwhelming positive gratitude for the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Volunteers. Many have called them their lifeline and said that they are so relieved to have Volunteers shop safely for them during this crisis and look forward to seeing them each week.
It is a pleasure to work with these Volunteers who are a dedicated bunch of very special people with hearts of gold and they truly deserve our respect, appreciation and sincere thanks.
Amanda
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