Staff from Teesside International Airport in the UK have delivered all perishable food from its cafés, originally intended for passengers, to workers at nearby Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Following the airport terminal’s temporary closure on March 24, 2020, staff decided to support key health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating food items, ensuring that nothing went to waste.
The airport had recently seen substantial growth in flights and passenger numbers, prompting management at the bars and cafés to add to their food and beverage supplies.
Along with colleagues, Lesley Johnson, Teesside International Airport customer service assistant, decided that this should be given to the National Health Service (NHS) frontline workers at the hospital.
Johnson said, “We’ve all seen on the news that NHS staff are working flat out to help those in need. It’s heartbreaking to see that when they finish work and go shopping, they struggle to get what they need.
“I know this is only a very small gesture and I hope that they manage to get a break to enjoy some of it. We just want them to know that we are all here supporting them. I would urge everyone to think of others at these difficult times.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added, “The days and weeks ahead are going to be difficult for everyone, but they are going to be particularly difficult for our amazing NHS workers who are right on the frontline of fighting this deadly virus. The actions of our airport team go to show that in the face of adversity, we really do pull together for the greater good.”