A number of Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 business owners have been working on various projects to make sure that those in most need are receiving valuable resources, supplies and assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak.
M&A 2020 wanted to send a message of thanks to all of our members who are out there doing their bit for the community during this trying time. These are just a few of the examples that we know of and we are sure there are many more!
Elizabeth Orridge – Elizabeth Orridge Photography
Lizzie has been busy making ear guards and washbags for the ICU in Sheffield. She has managed to make 100 ear guards and 65 wash bags in the last two weeks.
Family, friends, customers and businesses within M&A 2020 have donated funds to help purchase supplies of materials. If you would like to donate then please contact Lizzie here: [email protected]
Martin Rigley – Lindhurst Engineering and Gary Jordan – GMJ Engineering
Following a conversation and a donation of PPE from Malk Hall of Hallfast in Mansfield, Martin Rigley went on to spearhead a local campaign collecting PPE supplies for Kingsmill hospital. He has been joined by other business owners in the Nottinghamshire including M&A 2020’s own Chairperson, Gary Jordan. The campaign #PPE4NHS took off and before they knew it there was news and radio interviews asking for more information. They have now received over 70,000 donated items and the campaign has grown beyond the county. Now in collaboration with Med Supply Drive UK and Construction Appeal Sheffield they have a total of 145,000 items donated. The campaign is still ongoing and offers of help can be made at [email protected]
Katie Cooper-Lewis – Concept 360
After receiving an enquiry from Prime Group about spare tables to help expand capacity for the production of Face Masks and Visors for NHS staff, Katie, decided to open up the conference space in the Concept 360 building to allow the production to take place there. After making a call to TMR, a local recruiter, they also managed to find 30 volunteers to get involved.
Since Monday 20th April, the team at Concept 360 have produced over 27,000 visors and are still going strong! Jon Tolley, MD at Prime Group started making the visors after his wife, a primary care practitioner at Burton hospital was without the proper equipment. Since production started they have sent over 100,000 face masks to the NHS and have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help get the PPE to as many NHS staff for free. For more information take a look here.
Chris Riley – MBC Taxis
Chris Riley has provided a free transport service for the local area for anybody needing medical or shopping collections if they are self isolating, elderly or vulnerable. The vehicle is cleaned 4 times per day, has a plastic driver/ passenger partition and is capable of maintaining the government distancing requirements. The principle driver is in good health. Contact details 07740 587358.
Richard Fuller – County Battery, Evolve Trust and Thorntons (Ferrero)
Richard Fuller, was contacted by Ferrero, to ask if he knew of any deserving homes for their spare easter eggs. Richard made a call to the Evolve Trust and the team jumped into action to make sure they were distributed to less advantaged people in the Mansfield Woodhouse area.
It’s actions like these that make everyone at Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 proud to be part of such a caring and giving community. We are certain that there are similar stories from all over the area and we would love to hear more. If you, or a business you know, has been getting busy helping out in the local community, then please get in touch. We want to share as many good news articles during these challenging times as possible.
I’m sure everyone will join us in giving a heartfelt thanks for the actions of all of these wonderful people.
‘In times of crisis, always look for the helpers…’ (adapted from Fred Rogers)