Covid Community Champion
1472. Chandni Sejpal Shah
Chandni Sejpal Shah, from London, has donated over 1,000 meals and packs of essential items to vulnerable people across London during the pandemic.
This has included providing food and supplies to homeless people, working with mother and baby hostels, women’s hostels, young people’s hostels and hostels with residents that are entrenched rough sleepers with very complex needs. With support from her cousin Reena Popat (pictured, on the right, with Chandni above) and a team of volunteers, Chandni has also delivered over 700 care packages to NHS staff and patients across hospitals in London, the ambulance service, fire service, hospices and a nursing home, and held a recent virtual fundraiser in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. They have also provided more than 450 activity packs to support children in local hospitals and for their siblings, as well as for neonatal families at the Neonatal intensive care unit and special care baby units.
In a personal letter to Chandni, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Every day throughout our battle against Coronavirus I have recognised someone incredible in our country for their service to others.
“So I am absolutely delighted to be able to thank you for the extraordinary work you have done to donate more than 1,000 meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people across London.
“You have also delivered hundreds of care packages to NHS staff and activity packs to children’s wards in London and Hertfordshire hospitals.”
Chandni said:
“My cousin Reena Popat and I decided we wanted to do something to help those in need and show our appreciation to front line staff. We started on 7 April and thanks to all the help, support and donations we have to date given out over 1,000 meal deals, large quantity of snacks, toiletries and essentials to those most in need.
“I am very grateful to everyone for their continuous support. Together we will continue to make a difference and support those in need through these challenging times. I feel very privileged to be a part of a great community that come together and support each other.
“I look forward to continuing the work we are doing and I am truly grateful and honoured to receive this award.”