Stepping into breach to deliver meals on wheels
INTREPID workers ignored the worst snowfalls in a generation to deliver hot meals to some of Barking and Dagenham s most vulnerable residents. Council workers Mary Farinha, Karen Proudfoot and Vikram Bhakar put themselves forward when the heavy snow halte
INTREPID workers ignored the worst snowfalls in a generation to deliver hot meals to some of Barking and Dagenham's most vulnerable residents.
Council workers Mary Farinha, Karen Proudfoot and Vikram Bhakar put themselves forward when the heavy snow halted the meals on wheels service.
They answered pleas from struggling contractor Fresh CM to use Mary's 4x4 to deliver the hot meals to more than 50 vulnerable and elderly residents last week.
Ms Farinha, Barking and Dagenham performance, policy and programmes manager, said: "I was very pleased to help out and I'm glad that my car was put to good use."
The generosity of Mary, CCTV and security contact manager Karen and care manager Vikram drew plaudits from council boss Rob Whiteman.
The Barking and Dagenham Council chief executive said: "I am very grateful that staff answered the call for help.
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"They volunteered to deliver these meals in the most adverse and treacherous conditions. They are a credit to themselves and the borough."
The staff swiftly sprang into action picking up the meals from the Barking depot and only finished up the deliveries at 6pm.
Labour Cllr Herbert Collins, Barking and Dagenham adult services executive member, added: "This act of kindness shows that the spirit of helping others is still alive and well. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved.
