Opticians helps town’s isolated elderly residents keep in touch with loved ones
An appeal from staff at Specsavers Chesterfield has resulted in four electronic devices being donated to enable local care home residents to keep in touch with their loved ones throughout the twelve-week isolation period.
The store’s optometrist director, Allissa Charlesworth, launched the fundraising campaign this week following a discussion during a recent eye-test with a lady who worked in the local Whittington Care Home.
The customer, who is in charge of planning activities for the home’s residents, raised her concern that due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the home would be closed to visitors and residents would not be able to see or speak with their loved ones.
Within 24 hours of setting up a Just Giving page, Allissa’s fundraiser had already raised £350, enough to purchase a brand new tablet for the home.
Allissa comments: “Although we might be self-isolating with loved ones at home, it was heartbreaking to hear that some members of our community would be facing the prospect of twelve weeks without the chance to see their families.”
“Although it’ll be incredibly hard for most of us to adhere to social distancing, I couldn’t imagine how much harder it must be for those without access to technology, who will be unable to keep in touch with their friends and families.”
“I’ve been totally blown away with the community spirit in Chesterfield, and I am thankful to those who have donated devices and money to the cause. I’m sure the four devices we’ve already donated will be put to good use during this period of isolation.’”
Prior to the lockdown, the team also put a request out for in-store donations of care package items to keep residents busy, which saw dozens of items donated, including jigsaws, books and magazines donated to local homes.
Following the Coronavirus outbreak, staff at the Chesterfield store have been out in the community delivering glasses to residents who are self isolating, whilst also keeping the shop open for emergencies such as the needs of Key Workers.
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