A FLEET of 40 vans and drivers from Magenta Living has joined the effort to ensure emergency supplies get to needy residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The housing provider has not furloughed any of their staff during the current COVID-19 crisis, instead encouraging those with more free time to take up volunteering at the Emergency Food Hub as well as other organisations such as the Carr Bridge Centre in Woodchurch, the Ellesmere Port Food Bank and Wirral Arklight.

In total, staff members have spent 681 hours volunteering in the community.

The supplies include food hampers, toiletries, sanitary products, nappies, pet food and many other essential items.

One resident who received one of the parcels, Joanne from Rock Ferry said: "It was an absolute godsend as I haven't been able to get out to the shops.

"I really couldn't thank you enough and I am so, so grateful."

The housing provider has not furloughed any of their staff during the current COVID-19 crisis, instead encouraging those with more free time to take up volunteering at the Emergency Food Hub as well as other organisations such as the Carr Bridge Centre in Woodchurch, the Ellesmere Port Food Bank and Wirral Arklight.

In total, staff members have spent 681 hours volunteering in the community.

Brian Simpson, chief executive of Magenta Living said: "In response to the COVID-19 crisis we quickly established an emergency fund which was set up through Magenta Communities, a tenant led committee of our board.

"Part of this fund has been given, in the shape of a £10,000 grant, to Wirral Council's Emergency Food Hub.

"We have also supplied vans and drivers to help distribute the food parcels.

"I'm so proud of our staff who have volunteered to undertake these roles and support the vulnerable and those at risk within our communities."

The £10,000 grant donated by Magenta Living has been used to cover the costs of around 30,000 meals and other essential items within local neighbourhoods.

Mark Camborne, leading the council's humanitarian response to the crisis in Wirral covering shielding, homelessness and volunteers as well as emergency food and welfare support, said: "While the COVID-19 crisis has affected many of those within our communities who are vulnerable, the partnership work we have seen has been excellent.

"Community, voluntary and private sector organisations have worked together with Wirral Council to support those most badly affected by the crisis, on a huge scale.

"Magenta Living, as one of those partners, has provided both financial, and practical support via its vans and drivers to assist the partnership achieve a fantastic response."

Magenta Living has also used their community fund to provide support to over 20 local organisations including Wirral Ark, Arrowe Park Hospital, YMCA – Hope Prospect, Autism Together, Meadowside School and Family Matters.