The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves across the globe, and has impacted virtually every economy, industry, business, community, family and individual.
But while many of us have had our lives turned upside down, a huge number of Nottingham’s businesses and organisations have risen to the challenge, displaying extraordinary levels of compassion, selflessness and innovation in order to help others to weather this storm, or simply to brighten someone’s day.
Here’s Visit Nottinghamshire’s round-up of some of those who they feel deserve recognition for their remarkable actions and initiatives, in no particular order.
? The Robin Hood Fund – set up to help Nottingham’s most vulnerable during this crisis – managed to beat its £10k target in 30 hours and has raised over £40k at the time of writing (you can donate here). They have also launched an auction with once-in-a-lifetime Nottingham experiences; you could be the Sheriff of Nottingham for the day, be the Editor of the Nottingham Post for the day, or get a dream sleepover at Nottingham Castle. See the full list of experiences and unique Nottingham items, and place your bid here.
? Chefs at some of Nottingham’s top restaurants are cooking thousands of free meals for vulnerable people and NHS staff. Founded in Nottingham, the not-for-profit Open Kitchens scheme aims to raise £185,000 to get 100,000 simple and nutritious meals to those most in need. Those taking part include Yamas, Petit Paris, Bar Iberico, the Trent Navigation, The Angel and chefs at Nottingham Forest Football Club. You can donate here.
? Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham supplied 16 machines to test for coronavirus. Together, the machines can perform an estimated 20,000 tests per day.
? Castle Rock Brewery launched its own ‘hardship fund’ to support its staff during the pandemic, and has also committed to paying its suppliers on time, despite the closure of its 22 pubs.
? DG Cars have been using their fleet to transport employees, residents, equipment and food parcels around Nottingham, and set up a GoFundMe page to sponsor free taxi travel for NHS workers, which they kickstarted with a £5k donation. They’ve also partnered up with Pak Foods and Chunky Chicken to deliver key essentials to the elderly and NHS workers.
? Tom Browns Brasserie have opened their kitchen to cook free meals for vulnerable, self-isolating people in the local community, funded by a JustGiving page which you can donate to here.
? Roomzzz Nottingham are offering 10 complimentary rooms for NHS staff and then at a reduced rate thereafter.
? After making a call-out to the public for donations, 200 Degrees Coffee donated around 10,000 acetate sheets to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre hospital to help alleviate the shortage of protective visors for NHS staff.
? Carriages are running their community café as a takeaway and delivery every Wednesday, providing a 2-course meal for £2.50 or free to those in need. This is being funded by a JustGiving page, and you can donate here.
? Alchemilla restaurant has been preparing hundreds of weekly meals to deliver to the Queen’s Medical Centre and the local community.
? The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club has offered all 30 of its hotel bedrooms to the NHS until the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
? Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates treated NHS workers to some of their award-winning chocolate to help keep their spirits up.
? De Vere Orchard Hotel are remaining open and providing accommodation for key workers and NHS staff.
? Boutique Nottingham clothing store Stick and Ribbon will be donating 10% of all online orders to Captain Tom Moore’s JustGiving fund to raise money for the NHS.
? Woodthorpe Park Plant Shop delivered £200 worth of planters to the Trauma & Orthopaedic ward at the Queen’s Medical Centre as once staff start their shift their only fresh air is the balcony
? Circle of Light and Hockley Hustle teamed up to raise funds for Nottingham creatives through the live stream music festival, Light Hustle. Artists including Jake Bugg, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Rob Green raised over £5000 for struggling Nottingham creatives during the pandemic.
Has anyone been missed out? Let them know at marketing@visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk