Rowallane DEA Extends Thanks to COVID-19 Food Parcel Delivery Hub Volunteers

Rowallane District Electoral Area (DEA) has extended thanks to all who assisted with its emergency food parcel deliveries.

With the help of Down Community Transport and local community groups, more than 80 food parcels from the Department for Communities were delivered weekly over the shielding period. Volunteers from local community groups not only delivered food parcels, but also collected and delivered prescriptions and groceries for those shielding and provided befriending services.

The Chairperson of Rowallane DEA, Councillor Kathryn Owen said there had been an enthusiastic response from the local community, which had proved invaluable during the COVID-19 response.

“Without hesitation, during the pandemic local community groups immediately offered any help they could to protect those most vulnerable in our area,” she said. “These volunteers willingly gave up precious family time to respond effectively and quickly to the emerging crisis. I wish to personally thank each and every individual involved and to acknowledge that we could not have managed an effective response without their help. 

“More locally, Rowallane DEA Forum has continued to deliver for its residents, conducting Skype meetings to ensure the identified priorities in our district continue to be responded to effectively. The Forum is actively working on finding creative methods of engaging and delivering to our community, such as the development of a range of activities with Clanrye Group for families and individuals that are being delivered virtually.

“Rowallane DEA would like to pay tribute not only to the volunteers, but also to each and every Rowallane Forum member who has helped respond effectively to COVID-19, often out of office hours and at weekends. They have demonstrated their genuine commitment to making life better in Rowallane for each resident and visitor. We face challenging times ahead but I feel sure, having worked so effectively as a team during this recent crisis, we are well placed to meet them.”