Free meals part of the service for play staff Round Table needs help to find heroes
KIND-HEARTED staff at a children’s play centre in Southport are cooking and delivering free meals to people in need in the community during the coronavirus crisis.
Playtown, at Ocean Plaza, was among businesses ordered to close by the Government last month.
But last week owners Louie and Tanya Gaffney reopened their kitchen to help feed NHS workers, key workers, those who are unemployed and vulnerable people who have been affected by the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
So far they have cooked and delivered over 100 meals, and gave up their Easter weekend to cook another batch for people.
They said: “We want to feed those families who need it for free in the Southport area. Please only use it if you need to.
“On Wednesdays and Sundays until the pandemic is over we will be cooking a large batch of wholesome food for families and drop on your doorstep.
“Police officers, paramedics, if you want to grab some from me I will make sure there is enough also.
“If anybody has anything you could donate to put in little packs for the children or anything at all this would be great.”
The couple, supported by loyal Playtown staff, will be preparing more meals again this Saturday ready for Sunday morning drop-off.
They are asking if anyone knows of anyone, or if you yourself, need help to please message them via the Playtown Facebook page.
And they are also appealing for help from local people to keep the public service going.
Louie and Tanya said: “We are currently closed but we are trying to feed as many local families as we possibly can. We are currently using the limited stock we have left and trying to get some bits from our suppliers.
“We want to keep this going but are trying to find a way of doing so.
“Would anybody
be willing to donate the smallest of amounts to continue feeding our community?
“This is not something we have ever done before and feel quite cheeky asking but the more we can get the more people ultimately we can feed. Any ideas are more than welcome.”
The couple added: “We have always tried our best to help when we can – whether it be charity fun days, or handing out toilet rolls when vulnerable and elderly people couldn’t get any due to panic buying. But we have seen a massive increase in our community struggling for a basic human right, which is food.
“Our community constantly supports our business through thick and thin and we wanted to try and do a little that will make a difference to the families who need it.”
The huge generosity shown by Playtown has been warmly received by their customers.
Speaking on the Playtown Facebook page, Jackie Despositi said: “You are both the most generous, thoughtful and kind couple and really deserve recognition in a massive way.
Lisa JW commented:
“That’s a super gorgeous idea wow how lovely of you guys.”
Amy Kearley said: “Well done Playtown you are always thinking of the community. Not just now but also with your annual Christmas toy collection for those in need and your support events for mental health.
“My family and I will be back supporting you as soon as you are open.”
DO you know any unsung heroes in Southport?
The coronavirus outbreak has sadly left thousands of Southport people confined indoors, businesses shut and, tragically, dozens of people either dead or being treated at Southport Hospital.
However, the crisis has also led to lots of local heroes stepping up; the incredible NHS staff treating patients at Southport Hospital, the pharmacists working all hours, delivery drivers and supermarket workers making sure families get food, good neighbours looking after elderly residents, food bank volunteers, and many more.
Now Southport Hesketh Round Table is looking for your help to help find our local heroes.
A spokesman said: “The guys at Round Table want to say a massive thankyou to our local unsung heroes, we are looking for nominations for local people who are first responders, doctors, nurses, hospital workers, shop workers, carers, refuse collectors , delivery drivers or just good friends/neighbours who have gone the extra mile in supporting you, or the fight against the Corona virus generally.
“We have teamed up with local traders and the Knock n Drop delivery service to provide a grocery pack containing fresh fruit and vegetables etc free of charge, delivered safely to their door with our thanks, for their hard work or kindness.
“Please send your name, and the name of the person you would like to nominate (including their local address and telephone number) to SHRT@ hotmail.co.uk stating the reason you would like them to be nominated.
“Your local hero will need to live in Southport, nominations must be received by this Friday, April 17 and packs will be delivered by the end of April.
‘‘We will choose at least 30 local heroes at random to receive one of these packs.”