‘This couldn’t have happened without the volunteers’

During the lockdown hundreds of people responded to the call for volunteers and thousands of food parcels were delivered. The response was co-ordinated by Triax, the Neighbourhood Partnership Board for the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, Fountain and Bishop Street areas.

Charles Lamberton, Triax strategy manager and chair of the Moor COVID-19 community response, said: “There has been an immense amount of work done across this area. Over 25 community, voluntary, political, sport and religious groups have come together in a massive response but the people at the centre and the people who have been most important in helping to deliver it have been the community volunteers, residents from right across this area, who have been engaged daily in supporting residents, vulnerable people and the isolated right across our communities.”

Donna McCloskey, manager of the Triax neighbourhood management team, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The team have responded amazingly but not only that, this couldn’t have happened without the volunteers. The volunteers have responded. We put out a call at the very beginning of this process and the volunteers came in their droves. It’s absolutely amazing and it simply wouldn’t have happened without them.”

Sean, who has been volunteering with Foyle Search and Rescue over the past two years, is one of them.

“I think everybody during this epidemic crisis has come round and helped each other out in a great community spirit,” he said.

Paul McGilloway, a local businessman who owns ‘Framed to Perfection’ on Westend Terrace, also got involved.

“A few months back I got a call to say vulnerable people were in need. I was delighted to give services, myself and my wife Paula, we answered the call to come up here and help out.

“It’s probably the best work I’ve done in a long, long time. You feel that you are needed. You feel that you are wanted and you are helping those who need you most,” he added.

Denee Boyda, from SureStart Edenballymore, said: “I would like to give a huge thank you to all the people and volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic.

“With your hard work and efforts our community has found this pandemic a wee bit easier to live through.”

Peter Nixon, from St. Mary’s Youth Club, said: “We just want to give a big thank you to all the youth staff for their volunteering. It’s been nothing short of fantastic between engaging with young people and the food deliveries.”

Sean Collins, from Community Restorative Justice Ireland, said: “I have to say there’s been an unbelievable response from the people of this area.

“Hundreds of people turned up delivering thousands of food hampers on a weekly basis. They were absolutely brilliant. I can’t thank them enough. They are the bedrock of this response.”