R2R: COVID-19 HIDDEN HEROES
A Special Thank You To The Pandemic Volunteers
Volunteers have been at the forefront of our reaction to – and recovery from – the COVID-19 pandemic. From participating in vaccine trials and development and lending a hand at testing centres and vaccination sites, to shopping and providing companionship to neighbours and stepping up to ensure their organisations could continue to deliver vital services in the most challenging circumstances, never has the importance of volunteering been more prevalent. The extraordinary times we have all been living in since March 2020 has brought the dedication of these Hidden Heroes into national focus. When R2R reopened in Volunteers Week 2021, we did so with a campaign to recognise these incredible efforts. We received some amazing nominations. These are just some of their stories.
Rita – Hidden Hero – Oakhaven Hospice
“Rita gave up her time on both Saturdays and Sundays to come in and cover the main reception desk and main telephone line, which is a lifeline to our patients and families at an incredible distressing and worrying time in their lives. Rita was looking after patient visitors, managing messages, dealing with deliveries and general queries from families, healthcare professionals and anyone who needed to get in touch with Oakhaven hospice. Rita’s passion in being there to help and support not only our patients and their families, but also staff, is really just incredible. During such a challenging and difficult year, Rita has been a sea of calm and kindness for everyone at Oakhaven.”
Nominations Still Open
The pandemic volunteering campaign is ongoing with no specific deadline. We are looking for nominations from hospitals, NHS organisations, charities, community groups….. anyone who has relied on the generosity and commitment of their volunteers during the last year. Tell us what they’ve done, how they made a difference and the impact of their actions. We will then enable them to take a well-earned, complimentary break in one of our wonderful hotel partners. As this is a special campaign, it will run slightly differently to the regular nomination process.
The Important Stuff
- Nominations must be for volunteering efforts made specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Each organisation can make one nomination
- Nominations must be a minimum of 150 words and sent by email to team@roomtoreward.org.
- Nominations must be made by a senior person within the organisation. Please include your name and job information in the email.
Thank You!
