Volunteers deliver their 1000th portion of 'lockdown fish and chips' to elderly residents

Volunteers in Leeds have delivered their 1000th portion of lockdown fish and chips to elderly residents.
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Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) have been dropping off a chip-shop tea for people over 60 every Friday since the first lockdown began.

The team, who support people in Yeadon, Guiseley and Rawdon, hoped that it would help people who have been struggling with isolation and loneliness.

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They partnered with local restaurants in Yeadon and Guiseley to get the meals out.

Donald Atkinson received the 1000th portion of 'lockdown fish and chips' from Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) charity.Donald Atkinson received the 1000th portion of 'lockdown fish and chips' from Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) charity.
Donald Atkinson received the 1000th portion of 'lockdown fish and chips' from Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) charity.

On some weeks, the volunteers said they were delivering up to 50 portions a week - but it was lucky resident Donald Atkinson who received the 1000th portion.

Michelle Phillips, the Volunteer Engagement Officer, said: "We are proud to have delivered our 1000th portion of lockdown fish and chips to Donald and our members.

"We have been doing a fish and chip delivery service for many years now, however, we usually only delivered between four and six portions a week.

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"Come March, we sent out a newsletter inviting members to let us know if they wanted to get their name on the fish and chips list and we ended up with over 50 people registered.

Volunteer Ed Haigh who has been delivering fish and chipsto elderly residents for Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) charity.Volunteer Ed Haigh who has been delivering fish and chipsto elderly residents for Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) charity.
Volunteer Ed Haigh who has been delivering fish and chipsto elderly residents for Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED) charity.

"Some weeks we were delivering up to 50 portions!"

Activity Support Worker Ella Baxter worked with The Little Fisherman in Yeadon and Springfield Fisheries and Victoria Fisheries in Guiseley.

This allowed her to secure the orders needed every week and not get in the way of other customers.

A team of volunteers then collected and distributed the portions.

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She added: "The local fish and chip shops have been brilliant partners helping us to get the warm meals out.

"We also had a team of volunteers who turned up every week.

"The community support on this has been amazing!"

Michelle said the scheme has been a great way to check in on people who have been shielding or unable to attend AVSED sessions.

She said: "It is a great way for us to check in with our members in a socially distanced way, deliver a warm lunch and provide them with something to look forward to in these unpredictable times."

"Our members have loved receiving their fish and chips, and usually call us to make sure they’re on the list every week so that they don’t miss out.

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"It’s been a great opportunity for us to have a weekly check in with some of our more vulnerable members as we aren’t able to see them at our sessions as we usually would.

"It has been a great thing for us to do, and something we will be continuing all throughout winter too."

In September, four volunteers from AVSED walked 22 miles to raise money for the charity - only stopping for a bag of chips at Murgatroyds.

Debbie Fawthrop, 40, Sharon Ratcliffe, 50, Ella Baxter, 42 and Sam Waterman, 20, took on the challenge after the charity's traditional fundraising was stopped due to the pandemic.

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The local community also rallied around to take part in fundraising events.

In total, the amount raised for AVSED was £5,300.

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