Lockdown has been a challenging time for many, but few sectors have been as badly affected as charities.
With many workers furloughed, far fewer people out and about, and sporting events banned, many voluntary groups are having an extremely difficult time raising funds.
That’s why this week’s Corona Hero is someone who found an innovative but responsible way to support a local good cause. Dominic Wright, the vicar at St Margaret’s Church in Olton, took to his driveway for a virtual cycle tour along St Paul’s famous ‘Road to Damascus’.
Following a virtual map of the Holy Land, Dom rode for several days and has so far helped to raise over £3,000 for the Diocese of Birmingham, helping the Church continue to serve one of Britain’s least well-off communities.
As a keen cyclist myself, it was great to join him on the ‘starting line’ and to see him getting so much public support. Well done, Dom!
Meanwhile the Prime Minister has recently unveiled the Government’s plan for returning to something like normal life.
Whilst we may be fighting against Covid-19 for a long time yet, the commitment the overwhelming majority of us have shown to respecting the rules means that ministers are able to start looking at easing restrictions.
Next month will hopefully see lots of ‘non-essential’ shops allowed to re-open, and hopefully primary schools giving children a month of education before the summer holidays.
Outdoor events such as picnics, barbeques, and garden parties will hopefully also be permissible by the end of June.
Meanwhile plans are also underway to allow hospitality businesses, including cinemas, pubs, and restaurants, to reopen at some point in July – provided it can be done in a responsible, socially-distant way.
Of course, all of this depends on keeping the virus under control. Our number one priority remains protecting the public and ensuring that the NHS is able to treat everyone who needs it.
As we move towards a more nuanced and complex set of rules, it is more important than ever that we continue to respect the restrictions that are still in place. This way we can get society and the economy moving as we hunt for a treatment or vaccine.
