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SUMMER 2020 LOCAL HERO AWARD

We are delighted to announce the Local Hero Award winners. Congratulations to Rachel Rumbol and Kiosk MM Factory for giving their care and support in the community during such a difficult time. They put people first and became a necessary presence in the Elephant and Castle neighbourhood.

 

Thank you to all those who took time to nominate in June 2020 – we had almost 150 people voting. It feels good to celebrate the human connection and kindness within the community so critical at time of crisis and not to be forgotten in the everyday….

As featured here: Elephant Magazine | Southwark News | Elephant and Castle Partnership  

Mercato Metropolitano 

 

Winner:

Rachel Rumbol

Having set up Neighbours in Need, Rachel Rumbol has made over 1700 hot meals for local residents and is still going! The project was crowdfunded to deliver hot meals to those in need together with local café Louie Louie. Building partnerships with the local mutual aid group – her meals & delivery have included those shielding, people on free school meals, people awaiting access to foodbanks and the homeless. Further supporting Meals for the NHS, she has also provided over 4,000 meals for NHS workers unable to access shops/cafes during lockdown. Her hard work, perseverance and kindness shines in the community and has been noticed by many.  

 

One nomination said: ‘She has shown incredible leadership during this time, offering her skills as a chef to help support the whole community, from the elderly and homeless to school children and NHS workers. A proper hero.’

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Video Created by MM Kiosk 

Winner: 

Kiosk MM Factory

Having remained open throughout the lockdown, for many the kiosk has symbolised a piece of normality, comfort, care and much needed coffee! Abramo Tezgazzi is the lively, friendly face of the kiosk, knowing many customers by name, happy to chat and lend a friendly ear. Appreciated by many during the pandemic - from those living alone, juggling home-work life, to the dedicated keyworkers. Kiosk MM Factory has been nominated for its customer service, work ethic and sociable, welcoming staff. Part of the Mercato Metropolitano initiative, the kiosk symbolises  the wider work and contribution of MM Elephant & Castle within the community during this time. This included continued work with the vulnerable in collaboration with Mayors Fund for London, Pembroke House, Age UK and Lendlease, as well as engaging the community in online cooking, opportunities for trade and focus on sustainability.  

 

One nomination said: ‘I have been at work for the NHS throughout the pandemic and lockdown, working long hours and craving normality, and this kiosk remained open, offering upbeat conversation and good coffee. I am so thankful that I have been able to pick up my morning coffee on my walk to work. It has really helped start my day on a positive note, and he has even offered an NHS discount during uncertain economic times. Just really thankful for the Kiosk MM Factory!’

Many thanks to the following exceptional organisations who were also nominated:

 

Amy Gray, Owner at Dragon Castle: Dedication to the making of hundreds of free masks for the NHS cancer centres –working many hours cutting patterns, washing, sewing and delivering masks

BEZA : Genuine desire to support the community every day and during the crisis – cooking meals for NHS/homeless & vulnerable

Hatch Enterprise: Charity dedicated in helping to support the local businesses throughout the pandemic including the Southwark Gymnastics Club

Irene Hayes, Founder of Super Arts Academy: Online support, dedication and care for students and families interested in the performing arts and an inspiration for different generations in Southwark during this time & beyond

Richard Galpin at Pembroke House: Great work and commitment to get food to those who were most at risk and in need during the pandemic  

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