When someone says the word hero what image do you conjure up? A caped crusader from a comic book, a policeman or fireman maybe. A favorite relative or someone you look up to? Think about who your heroes and especially your local heroes might be. This is a story about mine.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and we all encounter people in our lives we look up to like heroes or people who literally save the day.
Everyday Heroes
The latest circumstances we all find ourselves in during this pandemic has shown us that our everyday heroes are just normal people like you and me. These local heroes go about their regular jobs but literally putting their lives on the line to help us all. Without these ‘key workers’ where would we all be? Some other heroes that have popped up are the ones like Captain Tom Moore, raising millions for charity single-handedly, and those people tirelessly making scrubs, masks and other PPE for our Key Workers.
I however have a different hero, or should I say heroes. They come in the form of two amazing ladies that have transformed their whole business model, and premises in order to make sure the elderly, vulnerable and local community are able to get hold of vital food and essential supplies. Working 7 days a week, tirelessly buying, packing and delivering to the local community, pulling 12+ hrs a day most days.
They aren’t overcharging for the goods like some other small businesses have been caught doing. They aren’t even charging for delivery to the local community and there is only a nominal charge if you live further away, less than most takeaways charge for delivery! On top of this they are even offering to deliver fish and chips on a Thursday tea time from the local fish and chip shop who don’t offer delivery. This means those in the community who are in complete isolation can still get their chippy supper treat once a week. Again this service is offered at no additional cost, just what the chippy charges for the food.
Every Hero Has A Headquarters
For the last year Origin Fine foods has been my safe haven, my regular treat to myself, a gorgeous little cafe and deli that made and sold only Yorkshire fair. The food amazing, the cakes divine and the company outstanding. I’ve even made some new friends because of my visits and have started selling some of my jewellery there too. Then Covid-19 happened and social distancing was introduced closely followed by lock down. This meant no more weekly hot chocolate and a slice of cake or breakfast skillet.
How They Took Up The Cape
Abbey and Jenni being the community minded people they are could see people struggling to get essentials and those self isolating struggling to get delivery slots from the main supermarkets. They sprung into action firstly supplying essentials like milk bread, eggs and the infamous toilet paper. Then week by week the list of items they could source from the wholesalers they were going to grew until they are now stocking hundreds of lines. Adding items that were requested by people and even supplying things like flour and pasta that were non existent in the major supermarkets. Once a system of essential items was in place next came the addition of some much needed treats like movie night hampers, chocolate boxes, sweetie boxes and gorgeous Brown and Blonde brownies and blondies (these are the bees knees).
How They Became Local Heroes
Being able to order my shopping for delivery or collection (knowing there is just me in the shop when collecting) has been a godsend for me. I find the supermarkets make me particularly anxious at the moment. I know from speaking to other people in the area that have been self isolating this have been a real life line. The best thing is they are both so humble, they saw a need and they filled it requiring no thanks in return. They don’t brag or moan about what they do they just get on with trying to support the community they love.
This is why I felt the need to write this. From the bottom of my heart Abbey and Jenni from Origin Fine Foods, Clayton, West Yorkshire, you are my absolute local heroes and you deserve to be praised. If you want to visit pop along to their website or facebook page
They are amazing people going above and beyond. Thank you for highlighting their work, and calling them heroes in your well written blog.