Coronavirus: Sunderland charity given priority as it rallies round to help city's older generation

A Sunderland supermarket gave a charity priority access to its shelves, as its team rallies round to help the city’s elderly.
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With panic buyers leaving stores wiped out of goods, workers from Age UK Sunderland were welcomed into the Morrisons at Doxford Park on Wednesday, March 18.

The goods will be used to put together “survival packs” of vital food for the most vulnerable older people on Wearside, with those aged 70 and older asked to self-isolate by the Government.

Tracy Collins, director of Age UK Sunderland, and Neil Thornton, general manager of Morrisons at Doxford Park.Tracy Collins, director of Age UK Sunderland, and Neil Thornton, general manager of Morrisons at Doxford Park.
Tracy Collins, director of Age UK Sunderland, and Neil Thornton, general manager of Morrisons at Doxford Park.
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It says as the situation escalates, it is seeing a huge increase in the fear and anxiety in those it supports and has called for an end to the “bulk buying mania” which has left many unable to get hold of their daily essentials.

Tracy Collins, director of Age UK Sunderland, said: “Due to the current trend to bulk buy, many of the most vulnerable older people in Sunderland are being exposed to more risk, as they are unable to gain access to food. We would like to make a plea that people stop bulk buying to ensure that older people are able to get what they need.

“The over 70s are in one of the most ‘at risk’ groups from COVID-19, so it is critical that they are supported during this uncertain time.

Staff from Age UK Sunderland left to right, Colin Thompson, Brian Pugh and Gordon Phillipson fill trollies ready to put together survival packs for the elderly.Staff from Age UK Sunderland left to right, Colin Thompson, Brian Pugh and Gordon Phillipson fill trollies ready to put together survival packs for the elderly.
Staff from Age UK Sunderland left to right, Colin Thompson, Brian Pugh and Gordon Phillipson fill trollies ready to put together survival packs for the elderly.

“Age UK Sunderland is trying to buy food for crisis packs to distribute to older people in the local communities who are most at risk and have no family to support them through the crisis.

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“We are appealing to all supermarkets in Sunderland to help us to support those most in need.

“We would like to thank all of the staff at Morrisons at Doxford Park for their support, the staff made a real effort to help us in our plight.”

Neil Thornton, general manager of the store, said: “We are so glad we could be of assistance. We understand how important it is that older people get the support they need at this uncertain time.”

The charity has urged people to stay in touch with older relatives and friends over the phone and see if the older people they know need help and to encourage them to stay active in the house.