Staff chat - Adele

We caught up with Adele, our Fundraising Events Coordinator, to find out how her role has changed since the start of lockdown

Before lockdown, what did a typical day at Wimbledon Guild look like for you?  

Every day was varied but always exciting and busy. My days would involve lots of organisation and planning, lots of meetings and interaction with people at Wimbledon Guild, local schools, corporate supporters and local people.

Did you interact with our customers? 

Yes, I had lots of interaction with customers and contacts, both in the office and going out to meetings. 

What have you been doing workwise since the lockdown began? 

My role has changed quite a bit, mainly because we can’t run or plan any events at the moment, so we are having to rethink how to stay connected with our supporters and fundraise in different ways. 

It’s been really inspiring and wonderful to see how many people want to help others within our community. We have had some really wonderful people donating and giving up so much of their time to help, such as Paola - an award winning photographer who has been doing her On My Doorstep family portraits of people locally in exchange for a donation to Wimbledon Guild. She has raised over £1,100! 

We are encouraging everyone to take part in their own fundraising challenges including the My Prudential Ride London event which is happening this weekend - 15th and 16th August.

I’ve been helping deliver nutritious meals from our HomeFood Café. Frank and I deliver around 40 meals every Monday to all of the clients who would normally come to the Café. The clients all love to have a chat at the door or in their garden and all really enjoy the food. 

I have also been involved in some wonderful donations of meals to the Women’s Refuge and people who receive our grants. Two Teaspoons Cookery kindly donated lots of these meals and they have been very much appreciated.

I've also been making befriending calls and doing weekly shopping for one of Wimbledon Guild's clients. This has been a new experience and I’ve found it very rewarding. My client was worried and anxious at the beginning of lockdown as he was shielding, but he's become more upbeat and happy and has been a delight to help!

What has it been like adapting to the change in how you do your job? 

It was all very strange at first but together with my team and everyone at Wimbledon Guild we have adapted well and achieved so much.

Our supporters have all been wonderful, which is inspiring. Now we are all used to working in ‘the new normal’ way, we have mastered Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings, so we are staying in touch which is important.

Outside of work, how did you adapt to life under lockdown, and has that changed as a result of the recent easing in restrictions? 

I have 3 children so life at home has been very busy. Luckily, they were all very independent at home schooling (most of the time!!) as both myself and my husband were working from home. I spend lots of time cooking and baking as my family never stop eating! We are now all very good at table tennis; we have enjoyed exercising together and love exploring Wimbledon Common on bikes and foot. 

Recently since lockdown started easing, we have really enjoyed meeting local friends in parks and having BBQ’s in the garden, making the most of all the good weather. We had my parents to stay last weekend which was really wonderful!

How have the customers you have talked to been doing during this difficult period? 

The clients I have been delivering meals to have been really grateful as most of them are living alone and some are still shielding. For all of them, the interaction with Wimbledon Guild’s befriending service and Frank and I delivering the meals stops them from feeling lonely.

What has been the response from customers to the work you have been doing during lockdown?

Everyone has been so appreciative; we have had some wonderful feedback that covers everyone’s work at Wimbledon Guild. 

Finally, do you have anything else related to your work for Wimbledon Guild which you think people might be interested in hearing? 

I am very excited to let you know that the wonderful Wimbledon Guild Waggy Walk is back for 2020 – there is of course a big difference this year because of social distancing. 

From 28th September – 5th October it’s Your Walk – Your Way this year. Pet Pavilion will be giving away their brilliant doggy goodie bags and Ashworths Solicitors are our event sponsor. Watch this space for more exciting details! 

P.S. Look out for Waggy dog our fun new mascot!

Thank you Adele! We'll be catching up with other team members over the next few days, so do check back for more!