Local businesses in Tameside have been playing their part to support the borough’s response to the coronavirus pandemic by providing vital items to be shared with residents.
The Councils’ Economy, Employment and Skills team have been working hard to secure donations or items at reduced prices from businesses across the borough and Greater Manchester.
The team have acquired donations of over 11,000 items and have been given a heavily discounted rate on a further 10,700 items spending just £727, which include carrier bags, cardboard boxes, cakes, sausages, pet food and portable toilets based at the food hub. These have come from a variety of local businesses including Challenger Site Services, Peter James Packaging, Weedons, Kerry Food, Park Cakes, Home Bargains Jollyes and IKEA.
These donations have been used to support people who are in self-isolation and may find themselves vulnerable with no family, friends or neighbours who can support them.
Members of Tameside Council staff have been redeployed to help package up food parcels and provide deliveries to residents throughout the borough.
Cllr Oliver Ryan, Tameside Council Executive Member for Finance and Economic Growth, said: “Across the council we’re receiving lots of support from Tameside businesses in response to the pandemic. I’d like to thank them for helping us to support the more vulnerable members of our community with their donations. I’m proud of the continued efforts that are being put in by #TeamTameside to ensure we can provide vital support throughout our borough at this challenging time.
“If any you need emergency Covid-19 support please contact our call centre on 0161 342 8355.”
Michael Parker, IKEA Manchester store manager, said: “People have always been at the heart of the IKEA business, as has serving the communities in which we operate. That has never been truer than it is today. By offering some essential food items alongside our Swedish food range, we hope that we can help to make everyday life just a little bit easier for the key workers, the elderly and vulnerable that are most affected by Covid-19. We’re proud to be able to give back in this small way.”
Any businesses looking to provide further donations should contact employmentandskills@tameside.gov.uk, residents who would like to donate items should visit https://www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus/donations.
