W3RT have received donations from the local community throughout the pandemic with food and face coverings being gratefully received. These donations all helped toward supporting those in need during this time.

7246kg of food have been donated since the beginning of lockdown. This is the equivalent of around 3,600 bags of shopping. As the shielding operation ends, and with around 7,000 over the whole of Hertfordshire identified as most in need of support on a day-to-day basis, donations and volunteers have made the most impact to our local community in Watford.

Volunteers donating food to W3RT from group Tzu Chi Foundation said:

“We are committed to help the communities around us. And due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we recognise that we should be focusing on helping the most vulnerable groups within the community.”   

As the nation then came out of lockdown the donation need shifted to face coverings. Matt Turner from W3RT’s Operations Team reported receiving over 700 disposable face masks from organisations and volunteering groups.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said:

“Making sure everyone in our town is as safe as possible from Coronavirus, regardless of their incomes, is really important. As we continue to deal with this global pandemic and its effects locally, it is right that we are focusing on those most in need. There are so many unsung heroes helping with the local Covid response, including people working tirelessly to make sure that vulnerable people receive the right protective coverings and can still get out and about.

I cannot thank everyone who has donated to the Watford Helps Covid-19 Appeal enough. Their generosity has made a real difference to the lives of local people in difficult situations. I am so proud of the way our town has come together to help one and another during these challenging times."

Bob Jones, CEO at Watford & Three Rivers Trust said:

“I'd also like to thank local residents and organisations, who have made donations to the Watford Helps Covid-19 Charities Appeal - we simply couldn’t have done this without you.”

The link to Watford Council post can be found here.

Donations to the Watford Helps Covid Appeal will ensure that charities vital work continues during the pandemic and that they survive through to the recovery phase and beyond. 100% of the donation you make will go directly to local charities, you can find out more and donate at watfordcovidappeal.org. You can also donate via SMS by texting 'WATFORD' to 70201 (£1), 70331 (£3), 70970 (£5) and 70191 (£10).