Yesterday evening the UK government put out a call to its people: Volunteer and help our National Health Service (NHS).
They wanted young, fit, and healthy people to volunteer for roles that would see them help the 1.5 million vulnerable people in the UK over the coming 3-4 months.
There were 3 types of support proposed: 1) picking up and delivering essential supplies like food and medicine, 2) taking the vulnerable to and from medical appointments, and 3) offering to call and talk with people who are living alone in self-isolation.
The government had a target of signing up 250,000 volunteers over the course of a few days. Within 24 hours, over 400,000 volunteers had registered.
This outpouring of support from UK residents inspired me. It’s a glimmer of hope and goodwill in a dark time. And it’s a sign that collective altruism is possible.
I signed up to provide (distanced) company to those in self-isolation. And I’m thrilled I get to play a small part in the bigger effort.