As some of you may recall, a couple of weeks ago I called for Solihull residents to get in touch with my office to nominate their ‘Corona heroes’.
These are individuals, groups, or businesses who are going above and beyond to support their neighbours and our community during the current crisis.
I’ve been really pleased with the response so far, and can’t wait to introduce you to more of the nominees over the weeks to come. If you know someone who fits the bill, please visit my website (www.julianknight.org.uk/corona-heroes) and let me know about them!
This week’s winners are the pupils, parents, and team at Solihull School, who have been running a really remarkable programme of volunteering and charity work.
First of all, they are running the #NHSstaffrock campaign. This saw families receive goodies bags and postcards to fill with essential items, treats, and a message of kindness. Several families apparently went that extra mile to secure donations from local hotels and supermarkets too!
Their Design & Technology Department has also been amongst those which has been helping to manufacturer visors and other bits of PPE for local health workers.
Beyond that, the school minibus has also been employed as a ‘drive through’ food back, collecting donations from the community; some Old Silhillians raised £5,600 for Acorns Children’s Hospice with a lockdown-friendly virtual quiz; and several members of staff, pupils, and parents also took part in the recent Brummie Big Camp Out in support of Sifa Fireside and the #SIFASurvives campaign.
This is a really exceptional programme, and I want to thank everyone who has helped to make it possible. It’s especially great to see local businesses stepping up to help strengthen the campaign even further.
But it’s just one example of the extraordinary voluntary spirit which I have seen time and again in my time representing Solihull in Parliament. All over our town there are people giving their time and energy not just to support their neighbours during lockdown, but to run many of the charities and clubs that make life so worthwhile.
So remember, if you know someone who fits that bill – I want to hear about them!
