PM thanks Hetvi for ‘spreading joy’ in the community
MUM HAS HELPED TO DELIVER 50 TONS OF FOOD DURING PANDEMIC
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has written to a Nottinghamshire mumof-two praising her ‘astonishing’ work in looking out for her community throughout the pandemic.
Hetvi Parekh, of Edwalton, has helped deliver 50 tons of food donations to foodbanks, charities and local schools in the last 12 months.
The 37-year-old social worker, who leads the regional branch of the national charity Sewa Day, has raised money and organised food donations for deliveries of 25,000 meals to key workers, vulnerable people, the homeless, and international students in Nottingham.
In a personal letter to Mrs Parekh, the Prime Minister thanked her for all she’s done.
He writes: “Thank you for all you have done during this pandemic to serve your community.
“I was astonished to hear how you have collected over 50 tons of donated food - equivalent to the weight of a humpback whale.
“Alongside your team at the temple, you have also delivered 35,000 meals to key workers, students and others in need.
“With your Spread Some Joy campaign, sending pictures and letters from children to care home residents, you are also truly spreading joy.”
Mrs Parekh, of Landmere Lane, has received a Points of Light award, recognising outstanding volunteers making a difference in their community.
She said: “I am truly honoured and feel humbled to be given this award.
“It’s a privilege to be the regional coordinator in Nottingham for the national charity Sewa Day.
“Sewa means selfless service without any expectations. Our goal is to help relieve hardships and bring a little joy to others.
“This award is a culmination of the efforts of a number of volunteers from Sewa Day, and various other organisations that we have worked jointly with to make a difference in these difficult times.
“No act of kindness is ever wasted and I would urge all people to volunteer their time and serve humanity.”
She added: “I will be receiving it at some point next week by my local MP. From what I know of it’s a certificate. “I will receive that (the Prime Minister’s letter) at the same time as the certificate.”
Last year, Mrs Parekh told the Post foodbanks were “a lifeline for a lot of people who are facing austerity and who don’t any other means of income”.
She also won the Hero of Nottinghamshire award at the Nottinghamshire Live Heroes Awards in November last year.
Sewa Day operates a community kitchen at the Hindu Temple Nottingham, in Carlton Road, and Sai Dham, Egypt Road, Basford, for homeless people, students and any other vulnerable people in need of help.
Ruth Edwards, Conservative MP for Rushcliffe, added: “Hetvi is an incredible person who has done an amazing job supporting so many people in our community.
“Her tireless dedication to helping many vulnerable people across Nottinghamshire has truly been a source of light and hope to many people.”