Good morning all
Thursday of this week I was about to write my final update to explain that our team’s work had come to a close. Our requests for items had dwindled and our stocks of gowns, headbands, masks, ear protectors and aprons were possibly surplus to needs in the community. But I was proven wrong. Some of our care homes have enough stock and thanked us for all we have provided during the peak of the crisis.
Then Waterside Care rang to say the next wave was about to arrive and they were desperately low on everything. They needed especially gowns and masks as they were increasingly responsible for most of the palliative care in the community.
Our local school requested masks and aprons for their staff, having given all of their stocks to the local post office, banks and shops in early March and hadn’t had a delivery since.
A GP from Red and Green Surgery rang to say they needed masks and aprons. The masks were given to patients for them to take home in exchange for a donation to Oakhaven Trust.
The day I was delivering to Red and Green an elderly gentleman stopped me and asked if he could purchase two of my masks for him and his wife. I said yes for a donation to our fund and was quickly handed £20.
The New Forest group is still making iron only gowns for the hospitals but not sure when the cut gowns will be available, but they are still being produced. They are also making masks and aprons for other schools in the New Forest area.
Our residents are still requesting masks and their neighbours are kindly supplying them, some from Union Jack flags!
Our team is working hard along with the U3A to meet the current needs and try to build up a surplus if the next wave arrives. Thank you for the tremendous efforts and enthusiasm you have all contributed to our work. Every bagful of items I deliver is graciously received and staff send their heartfelt thanks to all of you. I am particularly grateful to those of you instructing others on how to cut and sew, which interface to use, and stepping in when the job gets to be too painful to complete.
JustGiving have finally responded to our numerous emails, and phone calls for a transfer of the funds and this is now in its way in the next 5 days. Our Treasurer, Simon Banting will be able to reimburse expenses and, with your nominations, think about where these funds could best meet the needs in our local community.
I am also investigating where to donate the remains of our stocks of duvets and sheets. Stop Domestic Abuse UK seems interested in collecting our items for their refuges and hostels. If you have others in mind please let me know.
Sadly if we have a next wave we will hopefully be more prepared than the initial crisis, having identified what is needed, be we are still learning.
Stay safe and well.
Gerry and Nic Fletcher