Saluting our superhero shopkeepers
DURING LOCKDOWN SMALL STORES AND NEWSAGENTS WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO HELP LOCAL COMMUNITIES. NOW IT’S TIME TO THANK AND REWARD OUR NEWSANGELS
WHEN coronavirus hit, our way of life changed almost overnight. Confined to home, we were told to “stay local” and only go out to buy essentials such as food and medicine.
The elderly and those at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19 had to shield and rely on others to shop for them. But for many yp people p who live alone or in isolated solated rural areas, this proved d impossible. Soon, n, though, stories emerged of amazing acts of kindness in communities, and no more so than from our newsagents – whether minimarts, corner shops hops or local post offices. ces.
Owners and staff taff cooked meals, delivered d food and checked up on isolated neighbours, even if it just meant a chat over the garden gate.
Rapidly, our newsagents became the hubs of our communities – distribution centres where information and goods could be exchanged and passed on.
These local heroes saw us through our darkest days, often spending their own money and working long hours to look after vulnerable customers as well as NHS and frontline staff.
With vaccination now well underway, Britain is slowly returning to normal. So now the Daily Express, in association with The National Lottery, is taking a moment to thank those Newsangels who went the extra mile during the pandemic.
We are inviting you to nominate a shopkeeper in your area who you think deserves to win a New Newsangel award.
Nigel Railton, CE CEO of Camelot, sa said: “We want to celebrate a all those local businesses, shops and newsagents w who have done so much to serve co communities thro through this tough perio period. I’d like to person personally thank all of our retail p partners during what has been a difficult time.” The Federation of Independent Retailers national president Stuart Reddish added: “I am extremely proud of the Federation and our members for the way we have all pulled together.”
The winner and ten runners-up will receive £5,000 and £1,000 respectively. We’re teaming up with The National Lottery to invite you to show your gratitude by nominating your local Newsangel today!