Tain coronavirus response team delivers delight to lockdown kids
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
VOLUNTEERS reaching out to a large swathe of Easter Ross during the coronavirus public health crisis put smiles on the faces of almost 1000 local children in lockdown this week.
The care packages, including items like gymnastics ribbon, hula-hoops, pencil cases, maze puzzles and yo-yos, aimed to ensure children they have not been forgotten in these strange times and to encourage them to stay active.
Coral Allan of Tain and District Development Trust said: "We have worked with the schools in the Tain cluster to deliver 957 packs to pupils aged from between three and primary seven. We asked the school teachers what would be the best things to put in the packs and they said it would be great to have some toys that would get pupils outside."
They have already been rewarded with messages of thanks and pictures of children enjoying the unexpected treats.
The money for the bags was provided by resilience funds through Highlands and Islands Enterprise and from distillers at Glenmorangie.
Tain and District Development Trust (TDDT), which is leading the area's Covid-19 response, is also delivering meals on wheels to 185 people aged over 70 in communities including Tain, Edderton, Inver, Newton, Geanies and Portmahomack.
TDDT director Sarah Mackenzie said: "There is a great sense of community togetherness and spirit in Tain and District as we work through the Covid 19 pandemic together. Community organisations and local people are joining forces and we hope to see this continue well into the future."
David Macrae, fellow director and volunteer coordinator, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response from local people to volunteer. Twice a week volunteers deliver meals to 170 doors across the district. Our elderly folk have given us great feedback. One lady said 'it has been a real lifeline' and another said it's the highlight of her week.
The trust is working to keep everyone in the community connected and has been working on an e-commerce platform for businesses and taking calls from people who need support through Highland Council's Covid–19 response."
Anyone who would like to contact Tain and District Development Trust can contact the team on 01862 857185.
Story or picture for us? Email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
