Acts of kindness helping key workers cope

Tuesday 31 March 2020

A charity asked what it could do to help Guernsey's nurses and they replied, asking for cream - to soothe their sore, cracked hands which are being washed even more often than usual.

Soroptimist International Guernsey passed the request on to its members and supporters and the group delivered, with 50 bottles already dropped off at the hospital for those frontline health workers to use.

President elect of the organisation, Sally Evans said: "so far, we have donated 50 large hand lotions in appreciation, gratitude and support for the health care staff at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital for all their hard work and dedication at this difficult time. Just a small thank you to them for being there for us all."

Soroptimists is a club for women, who aim to use "their various skills and talents to make a difference to the lives of others".

The Guernsey branch said this latest project, to support health care workers during the corona virus pandemic is just one of the many they support locally, nationally and internationally every year.

Other charities, businesses and individuals have also been supporting those working on the front line, with food donated to keep their strength up during their long shifts, and also items they need to do their day to day work. 

With many different industries now legally defined as 'essential' during the lockdown period, gifts have also been donated to other key workers.

The Pathology Lab, States Works and Guernsey Dairy all operate all year round - an act that one person is very grateful for and they decided to show that last week. 

Local carer Jake Williams delivered boxes of edible goodies to various work places as a thank you for their hard work during these unprecedented times.

Mr Williams left his gift on the doorsteps at Guernsey Dairy, States Works, the Pathology Laboratory at the PEH and Employment & Social Security’s offices in Le Truchot. He included a note saying thank you to staff who are working to ensure the island continues to run as smoothly as possible during the current crisis.

Kelly Robilliard, finance officer at Guernsey Dairy, who took delivery of the treats was overwhelmed with Mr William’s thoughtfulness.  “It was such a lovely gesture and a wonderful surprise. During these really hard times small acts of kindness like this can really make a difference. It is lovely to be remembered. Thank you on behalf of all the staff.”

Pictured: These gifts were delivered to Guernsey Dairy. 

"Our Guernsey cows, the farming community, Dairy staff and milk distributors are continuing to work tirelessly to maintain the continuity of supply of high quality fresh liquid milk and milk products during this period of lockdown," said Andrew Tabel, General Manager at Guernsey Dairy.

While Mr Williams’ gift had been greatly appreciated, Mr Tabel said others should not be tempted to make similar gestures while the current restrictions on movement are in place.

“It is really nice for our staff to know that they are appreciated, and any messages of support do mean a lot to our staff.  However, at the moment it is really important that islanders follow the advice from Public Health and stay in their homes as much as possible,” he said.  

Pictured top: The hand creams delivered to the PEH by Soroptimist International.