Over the past few years, I have had several occasions to write to Solihull School to congratulate them for various amazing bits of charity fundraising.
It was therefore no surprise when they were one of the very first organisations to be nominated for my new ‘Corona Heroes’ campaign. The breadth of their work during the current pandemic really is extraordinary.
Young pupils and their families – sometimes with the help of local businesses – have been putting together care packages as part of their #NHSstaffrock campaign. These include goodie bags full of treats, along with a postcard with a personalised message.
Meanwhile the school minibus has been employed as a ‘mobile food back’, touring with doors open to solicit donations from the community, and the school is one of several whose Design and Technology departments have been helping to manufacture protective equipment for the NHS.
And this list goes on, from the Old Silhillians who raised £5,600 for Acorns Children’s Hospice through a virtual quiz to all the members of the school community to joined the Brummie Big Camp Out recently in support of Sifa Fireside, Birmingham's main day centre for homeless and vulnerably housed adults.
This is outstanding work, and I’d like to thank everybody in the school community who has made it possible.
But these campaigns also exemplify something which I have found all over Solihull: an extremely strong volunteer ethos and community spirit. Over the years representing our town in Parliament I have lost count of the number of people I’ve met who donate their time, energy, or expertise to help run local charities, sports clubs, and community groups.
That’s why I set up my Corona Heroes campaign, and I have more worthy winners to reveal in the weeks ahead.
But I’m sure this is just a small fraction of the good work being done, and I’m really keen to hear more. So, if you know of an individual or group that fits the bill, please visit my website and take a few minutes to nominate your very own Corona Hero.
In the meantime, please remember to stay safe, respect the rules, and protect the NHS.
