Food for Endon
1466. Joe Porter
Joe Porter, from Staffordshire, is a councillor and #iwill ambassador who has delivered bags of fruit and vegetables every week to vulnerable and elderly residents across his rural community during the pandemic through his initiative 'Food for Endon.'
Joe has also established an online forum helping hundreds of locals in Endon village connect with one another, as well as creating a ‘Help and Hope’ scheme in partnership with two local churches to deliver weekly shopping, collect pharmacy prescriptions and run weekly chats with elderly and vulnerable people who may feel isolated.
In a personal letter to Joe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I want to thank you for the brilliant contribution you have made to your community as we come together to defeat Coronavirus.
“Whether delivering fresh fruit and vegetables to the doorsteps of the elderly or connecting local residents through your online forum, you are showing the kindness and community spirit that defines the very best of Britain.”
Karen Bradley, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, said:
“I am delighted to hear that Councillor Joe Porter, from Endon, is being recognised as a Point of Light by the Prime Minister.
“Joe has worked tirelessly to support his community throughout the pandemic and this award is very well deserved. Congratulations Joe on being the UK’s 1466th Point of Light.”
Sybil Ralphs MBE, Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said:
“As a Councillor it is always gratifying to have your commitment and hard work recognised. Joe’s service to the people of his Ward of Endon & Brown Edge during this current pandemic has been exemplary and he is fully deserving of this Award.
“I am pleased that he has acknowledged and highlighted the work of the many hundreds of volunteers throughout the Moorlands who in these difficult and unprecedented times, have come together, singly and in organised Groups, to help the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities.”
Joe said:
“I’m delighted to receive this Award from the Prime Minister for service to the people of Brown Edge and Endon during the coronavirus pandemic. Being a local councillor and serving the local community is a great honour and I would like to thank our Staffordshire Moorlands District Council staff for all their hard work during this difficult period. Ultimately, this has always been about helping elderly and vulnerable people when they have needed it. That’s why I would also like to thank Haregate Community Centre, Endon St Luke’s Church and Endon Methodist Church for helping me run ‘Food for Endon’.”
