SINCE 23 March – and that famous address by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, the UK has been on ‘Lockdown’.
Since then, 31 days ago, Thurrock residents, voluntary organisations and businesses have not only rallied, but they’ve pulled together, grafted, joined in and flexed their community muscles to ensure none of our neighbours go hungry, get lonely or are without vital medication….
In fact, 465 residents have signed up as volunteers and have delivered on almost 700 requests for help received by Thurrock CVS. Many of those requests for help can count as double, as often residents ask for medication and shopping at the same time.
By our estimation, in those 31 days together, we’ve delivered 3,150 hours of donated time.
No one says it better than the residents we’re helping and volunteers who are making it possible.
Each week, we’re going to release a story from either a volunteer or a resident so we can all continue to shine a light on those who are going above and beyond in this time of need.
Darren, 58, Horndon
Dad of two, Darren, 58, is recently retired after working for many years at Ford, Dunton.
With time on his hands, and a history of fundraising with marathons, Darren with his wife, Christine, signed up to become a registered volunteer with the Thurrock Coronavirus Action Group early on.
“My wife saw it on Facebook, and after the sign up process, I’ve already been asked to collect some shopping for two different residents.
“One of the residents was shielding with her daughter and the other was a blind gentleman and they both couldn’t have been nicer.
“These times really are unprecedented, and it’s really made me sit and take in what’s important. Life tends to go at 100mph, all very centred on you and your world, but this whole pandemic has restored a lot of my faith and shown everybody what is truly important. It’s been like the handbrake has been pulled in our crazy work-filled world.
“People everywhere, seem to want to help and are all pulling together to do the right thing. I’m talking to neighbours I’d never normally get to chat to which has been lovely.
“It’s all about community spirit – long may our new community spirit continue.”
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer with the Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action Group, please register here: tiny.cc/ThurrockVolunteer
If you’re unable to volunteer but would still like to help, please consider making a donation to Giving for Thurrock (GiFT) here: tiny.cc/ThurrockGift
