Volunteers Sue Matthews and Alex Broughton from Ruddington’s Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group have been presented with flowers for their fantastic efforts helping those in need.
Ruddington’s Borough Councillors, Mike Gaunt, Jen Walker and Gary Dickman – who have themselves been involved in organising our village’s pandemic response – nominated them for the accolade as part of National Volunteering Week, which ran from 1st to 7th June.
Sue has been co-ordinating Ruddington’s helpers who’ve come from many walks of life to step forward and assist their neighbours with everything from shopping deliveries, prescription collections and dropping off home schooling packs – all whilst “social distancing”. At the start, this included delivering around 3,000 specially-printed leaflets to householders detailing what help was available.
Meanwhile, Alex is one of around 300 volunteers whose tireless dedication to the support group was thought to merit this extra recognition. Another key volunteer, Mark Pinks, helped secure £5,000 from ‘The Nottinghamshire £1m Community Fund’ to provide hot meals for residents who are identified as being vulnerable and “in need.”
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson said: “It has been incredible to see the work of volunteers and groups from all corners of the Borough during these most challenging of times. As part of National Volunteer Week, we saw it fitting to show our appreciation to those working hard in our towns and villages, to show we aware of their vital contributions to their community and appreciate their spirit and determination to help others.”
Councillor Walker added: “The group has been an inspiration to me these past few months. I’ve such admiration for all of the volunteers who took part. A massive thanks to you all!”
If you’d like to contact Ruddington Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group to ask for help for yourself, a relative or friend, you can still do so on 07954 073 115, by emailing ruddcovid19@gmail.com or via their Facebook group here.
With thanks to Rushcliffe Borough Council and Graham Wright via RUDDINGTON.info