We C U 2020
1399. Lauren Ezekiel
Lauren Ezekiel, from Essex, is a former beauty editor who launched the ‘We C U 2020’ campaign, which has seen over 300,000 beauty products donated and distributed to NHS workers in more than 200 hospitals nationwide to improve their wellbeing.
Currently on maternity leave during lockdown, Lauren wanted to reach out to contacts across the beauty industry to help source self-care products and other items, such as hand-creams, balms and body lotion for tired skin, to provide a lift for NHS and care workers. Her initiative has seen support from over 100 leading brands donating products with a combined worth of over £500,000.
In a personal letter to Lauren, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I wanted to write on behalf of the whole country to say an enormous thank you for all that you have done through your “We C U 2020” campaign to support the extraordinary men and women of our wonderful NHS and all those working on the front line of our battle with Coronavirus.
“I am lost in admiration for the speed and sheer scale of your operation sourcing hundreds of thousands of lip balms, hand creams and other beauty products and distributing them so extensively, including to health workers in more than 200 hospitals across the land.
“Your story is a wonderfully uplifting example of the many resourceful ways in which people have come together to support our front line workers and I offer my admiration and gratitude also to those who have made generous corporate donations or volunteered to support the efforts you have led from your home kitchen.”
Lauren said:
“I’m overwhelmed and extremely proud to receive recognition for the work we have been doing at ‘We C U 2020’. Running this appeal has been a privilege and an honour. The generosity of the beauty industry and our amazing volunteers has been incredible, allowing us to spread positivity via our goody bags to thousands of NHS and care workers around the country. At a time when we are recognising and appreciating the efforts of healthcare and other key workers our bags provide the virtual hand on the shoulder to each individual with the very clear message – we are grateful for them, we are here for them and we see them!”