Social Affairs: Heathrow assists local fight against COVID-19
Thousands of face masks donated to local NHS teams to continue helping in the fight against COVID-19
Heathrow continues to support local schools with donations of laptops to aid remote learning, digital resources and barriers to aid in students’ social distancing
Heathrow has donated a further 5,000 FFP3 face masks to NHS personnel at Hillingdon Hospital this week, taking the total donated to 16,000 since the outbreak of COVID-19. In addition to this, Heathrow has stepped up efforts to help local schools during the pandemic.
A total of 70 laptops have now been delivered to local primary schools around the airport over the last two months, from funds that have been donated by the Heathrow Executive team, and have been raised through the recycling of airport IT equipment. The donated laptops mean pupils who previously didn't have access to a device will no longer be missing out on their education due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Heathrow has developed online educational resources for teachers and parents to support home schooling for those who may not be returning to class. Through these resources, students can design an airport terminal, learn` about the airport’s history, test their knowledge of geography, and see what it’s like to work in cargo or communications at the airport.
Heathrow has also donated separation barriers to Colnbrook Primary School to help divide their playground into sections to ensure social distancing is applied as students make their return back to school.
During this unprecedented time, offering support to the community has been critical. Last month, the UK’s hub airport donated 5,000 FFP3 face masks and 60,000 liquid bags to NHS teams, 9,500 chocolate eggs for local children and more. Additionally, the Heathrow Community Trust (HCT) granted £95,000 in rapid emergency funding for local community groups responding to COVID-19, including food banks and support services for the isolated and vulnerable.
Heathrow Director of Communities, Becky Coffin said:
“During these challenging times, we have a responsibility as a major employer in the local community to step up and offer support where we can. I am pleased that our additional face mask donations can support our NHS heroes on the frontline, and the laptops and barriers can aid schools with home schooling and social distancing.”
About the Heathrow Community Trust (HCT)
The HCT was set up in 1996 to improve the quality of life for communities near the airport through education and community projects focused on enhancing people’s skills, aspiration, resilience and employability, as well as improving community green spaces and projects bringing communities together.
Heathrow Community Trust receives an annual donation from Heathrow as well as donations from other companies involved in the airport. Income is raised from sponsored events involving Team Heathrow colleagues such as the Midnight Marathon. All money raised by departure noise infringements in accordance with the airport’s Noise Action Plan is also distributed to community projects in the Heathrow area. Current COVID-19 emergency funding arises from donations received in 2019.
KJM Today Opinion
Heathrow Airport has come under fire from various quarters in recent times, and while debate over the subject is welcome, much of the criticism is either ill-informed or entirely without foundation.
No organisation will spend its time free of considered and rational criticism from time to time but matters must always be balanced and objective - and that includes praise where it is due. It may or may not be a big thing, but the airport's efforts to be a good neighbour are to be applauded.
And it must also be remembered that many of those who live around Heathrow earn their living, directly or indirectly, from it.
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