THE Helping Hands Orford Poplars & Hulme group has scooped the ‘Best Covid-19 Support Group’ top award at the Cheshire Community Support Group of the Year awards.
The competition was tough with 54 other community groups from throughout Cheshire nominated for this category.
Carol Kilgannon, Founder Member and Chair said: “We were overwhelmed merely to be nominated for this award, so winning was the icing on the cake. Due to Covid-19 restrictions it was a virtual event held online but that didn’t dampen our spirits.”
Stephen Murphy, Co-Founder said: “We set up Helping Hands in March 2020 to assist families and the elderly within our community through the pandemic. Since then we have supplied nearly 2,000 hampers, and over 47,500 meals in Warrington.“
Both Carol and Stephen paid tribute to their amazing volunteers saying: “They donate their time willingly and we couldn’t do this work without them. Whether it’s making collections, deliveries, admin tasks, cleaning up or contacting businesses for donations, it’s a team effort.”
Wendy Maisey OBE, Founder of Culcheth G&C Helping Hands branch commented: “ I’m thrilled to see Carol and Stephen being recognised like this. So much hard work has been put in by the team to help the people of Warrington throughout the Covid-19 crisis. This is thoroughly deserved.”
Carol added: “We have had fantastic support from local businesses that we need to recognise. Tetley Walkers Club for giving us a home, Morrison’s Warrington, Co-Op Cotswold Rd, Asda Cockhedge and Mobberley Cakes of Warrington. We’d also like to thank the Torus Foundation, Serco Foundation, MAD Culcheth and Crofters Helping Crofters,Birchwood Lions and Tony Gandy from Warrington Lions for their continued financial support since March. Most of all we’d like to show appreciation to our community, the local people who provide donations of food and have supported us financially to help others within the community through this pandemic. You are all amazing, I’m proud to be part of this great community. It’s the best”.
If you can donate food and essential items to Helping Hands or volunteer please contact Carol on 07593254010 or visit our facebook group Helping Hands Orford Poplars and Hulme or twitter @HHOrfordPH
Anyone that needs support can contact us via our facebook page in the strictest confidence.
