While there is no doubt that we are living through some very difficult times, the COVID-19 global pandemic has also revealed just how strong our communities can be and how big are our hearts.
Across the Surrey Hills, businesses have been working tirelessly to support our local communities, key workers and NHS staff.
In respect of their endeavours, Surrey Hills Enterprises (the Community Interest Company arm of the AONB, set up in 2012 to support and develop the rural economy) has awarded many local companies the Trade Mark Surrey Hills, an “accreditation and mark of local provenance, quality and sustainability” in recognition of their efforts to raise funds to ensure NHS workers are fed and supported.
The companies to have recently received the mark include Lavender Catering which is working around the clock to make 3,500 meals a week to feed NHS staff on the frontline. The Bookham-based firm has teamed up with other local Surrey Hills businesses such as Hill House Farm to suppl high-quality meals using local produce from the Surrey Hills.
Guildford skin-care company Puremess is offering a special gift box of its chemical-free, skin-care products at 50% of the usual price, enabling people to pay online and send to an NHS worker. The Cookie Bar, a Hindhead-based social enterprise supporting training for disadvantaged young people is sending boxes of cookies to local hospitals supported by donations from people ordering online.
Claire Brown and her team at PlantPassion (as seen on the cover of our Guildford and Elmbridge April issue) have been busy delivering seasonal, scented and sustainable flowers from the fields outside Guildford to the local community, while Chimney Fire coffee who roast ethically sourced coffee in the Surrey Hills are sending coffee at cost price to NHS Staff.
Another Essential Surrey favourite Mandira’s Kitchen has teamed up with Albury Organic Vineyard to produce a special meal delivered directly to your home – just what you need should you be feeling under the weather or wish to gift a friend in need.
“Surrey Hills is a very special and unique place and we have equally extraordinary and inspiring local Surrey Hills businesses,” said Wendy Varcoe, executive director of Surrey Hills Enterprises. “They have responded to these difficult circumstances in a special way to offer local produce deliveries and to donate goods and services to help the frontline workers. We congratulate all our Surrey Hills Members on their courage and innovation.”
To find out more about Surrey Hills Enterprises, visit surreyhills.org. To donate to support NHS staff, visit: rschcharity.org.uk/fundraisers/surrey-drive
