STAFF at Morrisons supermarket, in Barnard Castle, have described being swamped with thank you cards in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 lockdown as “absolutely brilliant” .
The cards form part of a Barney Does It Best scheme, which sells a variety of merchandise recognising key workers during the pandemic while also raising cash for charity. It was launched with a stall at the town’s farmers’ market at the beginning of August and moved to the front of Morrisons supermarket in recognition of those who work there. Entrepreneur Peter Smith, who initiated the scheme, said: “It is going really well – even the taxi drivers are supporting it.”
People were encouraged to buy a card and take it into the supermarket where staff began pinning them up on the noticeboard.
The store’s checkout team leader, Sophie Butler, said: “Our girls on the trollies got a card and they were thrilled. It made their day.”
Community champion Gillian Robinson said the scheme was “brilliant” because it was a way to thank anyone who made another person’s life a bit better during lockdown even if “it is someone who has just made you smile” . She added: “Barney does it best, without a doubt.”
In three hours, the scheme had raised more than £120 for the Clique and Meet charities through it stall at Morrisons.
Elsewhere, Connelly’s Toy Shop is also selling cards and merchandise, Mr Smith said.
He added: “Pauline [Connelly] hasn’t half sold some. She has raised about £120 herself and that is within a few days. She really does push it and it is building up nicely.”
Meanwhile, Morrisons is reminding people that its Doorstep Deliveries service is still running. The free delivery service was set up for vulnerable people and those who are self-isolating in Teesdale.
Ms Robinson said: “Obviously most of our customers using the service were shielding which has now stopped, but we just want people to know that our service is still available – even if you don’t want to go out as often, or feel able to go out into town for a few bits but don’t feel up to the supermarket, for instance.” It covers essential items including dairy products, eggs, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, tea, coffee and soft drinks and frozen items such as chips, scampi and peas. It also includes some ready meals.
Ms Robinson said: “My community champion phone number is 07811 715306 if they wish to call or text me their address. I can deliver a leaflet. They can also email Champion.barnardcastle@morrisons.co.uk.”
