A busy morning with two special visitors – preparing summer activity bags

This week the team were delighted to welcome Mr Michael More-Molyneux, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, and Mr Shahid Azeem DL, the Surrey High Sheriff, to our Reigate warehouse.

Both were keen to lend a helping hand after hearing how the demand for our service has been increasing at an exponential rate since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, including the distribution of over 1,000 ‘crisis packs’ during this time.

Our recent discussions with local schools and referral partners have identified ‘holiday poverty’ as a key concern for the upcoming summer holidays, with even more families in financial crisis this year. We have therefore started taking referrals for summer activity bags – reusable waterproof drawstring bags filled with age-appropriate colouring books, stationery, puzzles, games, outdoor activities and reading books. Full of ‘boredom buster’ items and activities, which will help ease the additional financial pressure of keeping the kids entertained over this extended period. To ensure all identified children are catered for, different packs are being put together for pre-schoolers, primary school and secondary school children.

Kitted out with an apron and face mask, the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff assisted volunteers by making up 60 summer activity bags. Valuable help which contributes to the 500 bags we expect to distribute over the coming weeks.

The Lord-Lieutenant was no stranger to Stripey Stork, some of you may remember that he visited last year whilst accompanying HRH The Duke of Gloucester for our Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service ceremony, where we were recognised for our outstanding work in the local community and excellence in voluntary activities.

Here’s a short interview with the Lord-Lieutenant and Nicola (General Manager & Founder) on their volunteering session…

We’d like to thank the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff for visiting and greatly appreciate their time and encouraging words of support.

Photos & video credit: Steve Porter Freelance Photographer