The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has honoured local volunteers who made and delivered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers at the initial height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last Tuesday (October 6th) Alderman Mark Fielding met with one of the organisers of the NI Scrubs Causeway Coast group, Sheila Jackson, as he issued over 200 Certificates of Appreciation for those involved in the effort.
The certificates read: 'For your voluntary service with NI Scrubs Causeway Coast in support of our healthcare heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic'.
The group, which included people from across the Borough, brought together drivers, organisers and over 190 skilled stitchers to make over 3650 pieces of PPE which were delivered to 124 front-line locations, including hospitals, pharmacies, care homes, medical centres, dental surgeries and community centres. Among the items provided by the diverse range of volunteers were medical scrubs, gowns, scrub caps, masks, drain bag covers and mask extenders.
The Mayor said: “The borough is extremely proud of the work of NI Scrubs Causeway Coast group and it was wonderful to meet Sheila and present her certificate. I wanted to recognise the hard work, thoughtfulness and community spirited response to the challenging situation we all faced and commend the volunteers for their remarkable display of selflessness and generosity.
“Their actions helped to protect and support front line healthcare heroes and this is an inspirational example of the Causeway Cost and Glens community coming together. The volunteers should be very proud that their kindness and dedication has helped hundreds of workers at a time of great need.”
NI Scrubs Causeway Coast organiser Sheila Jackson said: "We are very grateful to the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for recognising the work of NI Scrubs Causeway Coast.
"The group's members ranged from 11 years old to those in their 80's, and included a hugely diverse range of people and businesses across the North Coast, all joining together to show what we can achieve as a community.
"Everybody who volunteered wanted to do what they could to help support the vital work of the healthcare workers and help protect their health in the midst of the pandemic.
"While the group has never sought recognition for their work, I am nonetheless very thankful for the Mayor's kind words and I am proud to accept the certificates on behalf of all the volunteers."
