Volunteer Covid heroes hailed with special awards
The role of volunteers have been hailed in the borough – as a special awards ceremony was held online to crown Dudley’s “Covid Heroes”.
Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS) and Black Country Radio hosted the Covid Heroes Awards last night.
They were held to thank and pay tribute to those who have given their time to selflessly help others during the coronavirus pandemic.
Winners included Don Hirst and his team at The Dudley Arms pub, who won the Business with a Big Heart Award. More than 2,000 meals were prepared over lockdown while the pub was shut to ensure local residents were catered for.
Shona Gilsennan – who was visible and responsive in multiple communities from day one of lockdown – took the Kindness in a Crisis Award.
And Andrea Childs and Carly Grandini-Williams were given Covid Community Champion Awards for providing light relief and laughter by recreating famous art on social media.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:
We quite simply could not have got through lockdown without the tireless efforts of an army of volunteers who quickly mobilised to help the most vulnerable during lockdown.
Delivering free school meals, helping the elderly, you name it, they stepped up and did what was required.
I felt thoroughly humbled watching the Covid Heroes Awards, seeing so many amazing people who've supported others through these dark days.
DCVS and Black Country Radio did such a fantastic job hosting the event.
My heartfelt thanks go out on behalf of Dudley Council to winners, nominees and all participants. Every one of them was a winner and every one of them was amazing.
They should all be proud of their achievements and for making the Dudley borough a very special place.