As London entered tier three, trauma charity Body & Soul continued its vital work. The team was busy organising the delivery of over 500 hampers to families isolated and impacted by the pandemic.
“We had to do something”
Hollie Smith, from Body & Soul, said: “We always mark the end of the year with a big Christmas party to celebrate everyone’s achievements – big and small. There had to find a different way to respond to such a difficult year. The office now looks like Santa’s Grotto as volunteers and staff pack hundreds of gifts and hampers.”
Manual planning would be “complicated”
Volunteer Ruby Stringer, whose day job is in sustainable transport planning, realised the logistics of delivering hampers all over London would be “complicated”.
“It’s not very often that transport planning is seen as a useful skill and I thought this is my chance. We also wanted to make sure drivers had time to check in with members – and that it wasn’t just a delivery but someone who cares,” she said.
QRoutes to the rescue
QRoutes came to the rescue. We took on the challenge to create a bespoke plan to deliver hundreds of hampers in time for Christmas.
See Body & Soul’s summary of The Big Give
Gratefully received
One Body & Soul member said: “I don’t know what to do or what to say. I have never received a gift like this. Thank you so much it is really appreciated.”
All in a day’s work
Rob Roberston, from QRoutes, said: “Throughout the year, we’ve been helping organisations to plan deliveries around Covid restrictions. We are delighted to help Body & Soul bring some Christmas cheer to families in need.”
You can support Body & Soul’s work here
