Council's special message of thanks to the hundreds of amazing volunteers across Harborough

A proud council chief has handed hundreds of coronavirus volunteers across Harborough a massive pat on the back.

Cllr Phil King expressed his thanks, admiration and pride in a personal heartfelt message to every parish and voluntary group on his patch.

The grateful Conservative council leader saluted over 400 big-hearted Good Samaritans in about 70 groups at the start of National Volunteers Week.

“I want to take this opportunity to recognise and pay tribute to all the volunteers who have stepped up and reached out across our communities to lend a hand when and where it was desperately needed, during the current crisis,” said Cllr King, who leads Harborough District Council.

“Harborough District Council has been working with approximately 400 volunteers in approximately 70 volunteer groups, across the district to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will continue to do so as we look towards during the recovery phase to get communities, and the local economy, back on track.

“Whether you have been volunteering as an individual, or part of a wider community group, your contribution has been essential and continues to make a huge difference to people’s lives during this hugely challenging time.”

He said people had stepped in to deliver food parcels, collect prescriptions, talk to lonely and vulnerable people as well as helping out in many other ways.

“Volunteering has never been more critically important. “The third sector represents communities in action and is the grass roots of community cohesion,” said Cllr King.

“Harborough District Council has a long history of grant making to this sector and that will continue in the future.

“For the last 10 weeks, we have all been saluting our amazing NHS, social care workers, joining others across the nation each Thursday at 8pm to clap and acknowledge their continued dedication to saving lives at this time of crisis.

“But it is also important that we recognise the kind-hearted volunteers who are also doing extraordinary things to support the lives of people affected by this pandemic, including many un-paid carers.”

He said they are now “working to harness some of the fantastic volunteer-led community networks that have emerged over the past few weeks so they can continue to make a positive contribution” in future.

“I wholeheartedly thank everyone who has gone above and beyond at this critical time,” insisted Cllr King.

“Your efforts are something that everyone in this district should be extremely proud of.”