Barrow Age UK lauds Asda and Morrisons for Covid-19 support

Community champions, employed at both supermarkets in Barrow, have regularly donated essential items which have proved vital for Age UK’s campaign to help vulnerable, elderly residents in the Furness area.

Lorna Simpson, of Age UK, has underlined the key roles played by Gill Gerrish, Asda’s community champion, and Alison Coward Jewitt, community champion at Morrisons.

ASDA: Community champion Gill Gerrish

“They have been absolutely brilliant during the pandemic,” Lorna said.

“Wherever help is needed in the community, they are always there and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Since the pandemic began last year, Age UK has provided emergency food parcels for residents in the Furness area who have been shielding and unable to access help, and is currently averaging five a day.

With the help from Morrisons and Asda, Age UK has delivered food, drink and toiletries to ensure that elderly people are taken care of.

In each parcel, there will be ready meals, tinned food, bread, milk and many other essential items, which are delivered by teams of volunteers.

DONATION: Food and drink

Earlier this week, Alison donated more than 20 care packages to Age UK and has credited Barrow’s residents.

She said: “I only started this role in March, but I have really enjoyed helping the community.

“It has really opened my eyes, as I didn’t realise how much food poverty there was in Barrow.

“Since the pandemic, I think we have seen more of a community spirit and people in Barrow have been so generous.”

Gill added: “Age UK is a charity really close to my heart and I will always help them in any way I can.

“If I can help somebody and give a little back, then that makes me happy and feels like I have achieved something.”