Wigan volunteers recognised for their efforts during pandemic

Hard-working volunteers who have made a difference during the coronavirus pandemic have been recognised for their efforts.
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Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action Group has provided a shopping service for people who are isolating or need help.

They have made nearly 1,000 shopping trips since March and will continue to buy items over the Christmas and New Year period for people struggling to get out of their homes.

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The group decided to present awards to its dedicated community helpers to mark International Volunteer Day, delivering them to their homes as a more formal awards ceremony could not take place due to the pandemic.

Geoff Seddon and Michelle Farrimond receive awards recognising their efforts volunteering with Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action GroupGeoff Seddon and Michelle Farrimond receive awards recognising their efforts volunteering with Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action Group
Geoff Seddon and Michelle Farrimond receive awards recognising their efforts volunteering with Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action Group

Everyone was given a certificate and a thank you gift cracker, handed over by councillors Bob Brierley, Paul Maiden and Jim Ellis.

The community helpers recognised were: Ayse and Christine Akar, Carole Hindley, Christopher Kelly and Andrea Ralphs, Geoff Seddon and Michelle Farrimond, Julie Bradshaw, Katharine Blundell, Lois Lyon, Margaret Ainscough and Shirley Naylor.

Heart of the Community certificates were awarded to volunteers Patricia Hurst, Julie Hutton and youngest helper 10-year-old William Lawler.

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Jane McLaughlin received the certificate for her Small Acts of Kindness project in memory of her husband Rob.

Staff at Aldi in Hindley Green received an award, presented by councillors Jim Ellis and Paul MaidenStaff at Aldi in Hindley Green received an award, presented by councillors Jim Ellis and Paul Maiden
Staff at Aldi in Hindley Green received an award, presented by councillors Jim Ellis and Paul Maiden

Certificates were given to community book club volunteers Hilda Byrne and Rebecca Bamber.

The group presented Heart of the Community Awards to the management and staff at Aldi, in Hindley Green, for their support, and Paula Cheetham-Serjent, who has been fund-raising in memory of her five-year-old son Theo.

Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action Group was being set up earlier this year to work with local groups, the council and other organisations to make a difference.

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But when its first meeting was cancelled due to the pandemic, members decided to help residents in another way and launched its shopping service.

People provide a shopping list and the volunteers buy the items on it, from the supermarket of their choice, and deliver it to their doorstep.

It means people can have their favourite products, despite not being able to leave home.

Find out more on the Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action Group Facebook page.

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