The Covid-19 crisis has created many challenges for everyone. HITS’ first problem was volunteers. Like most charities, the majority of our volunteers are retired and some have health issues. The response to a call for volunteers was fantastic. Offers of help flooded in. Guided by our manager, Theresa, new volunteers and the few regular ones still available have coped with unprecedented demands and changes in our operations. They all deserve a massive thank-you.
Of course, the need for our support has increased dramatically due to the crisis. We expect that it will continue at this unprecedented level for many months.
HITS has been fortunate to obtain funding from a number of sources which has been essential to augment our regular income both monetary and food. Individuals as well as large organisations have recognised the plight of our poorest neighbours. HITS’ and our clients are very grateful for all of your generous donations that make our vital work possible,
Richard and Chris Jenks cooking meals
Some of the grants have been for specific purposes such as providing hot meals to those in isolation. The scheme started in Teignmouth and expanded in Newton Abbot as a collaboration between Teignbridge CVS, HITS and the Avenue Church where Richard and Chris Jenks cooked on Sundays. Hot meals were also provided on Wednesdays. These were cooked at Newton Abbot Rugby Club by Gareth Mayers, the executive head chef at Woodbury Park.
We would like to thank Richard, Chris and Gareth for bringing their expertise to these projects as well as the Avenue Church and Newton Abbot Rugby Club for lending their kitchens. Many thanks also to the many volunteers who assisted the chefs and others who delivered the meals.
Most of the grants have been to buy the basic food and toiletries that we need to support the most needy in our area and to pay for our increased fuel bills.
The grants that we have receieved include those from
- National Lottery awards for All
- Devon Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund
- Teignbridge District Council
- CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund
- Kingsteignton Town Council
- Skipton Building Society
- Teignhousing
- Tesco Bags of Help Covid-19 Appeal
- Covid-19 Prompt Action Fund, DCC
- Comic Relief
We have also received large donations of food from Morrison’s. This practical help was particularly useful while we could not obtain deliveries in the normal fashion.
Thank you all.
