Some of the LNER employees have been volunteering to support the NHS, charities and other organisations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dubbed the LNER reserves, they have done up to 2000 hours of service in a couple of weeks.
There are more than 120 LNER Reserves, and they are making a difference in the communities along the East Coast Main Line route.
Neil Spendelow, who is a Customer Experience Host, is volunteering with the Covid Kindness team in Lincolnshire. They are providing food and essential care packages for families.
Neil said:
“I am proud to be supporting the team who are doing a fantastic job in helping the local community. It is a challenging time for many people and I am pleased that through the LNER Reserves, I am able to do something to assist families.”
LNER Reserves was formed as part of LNER's response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It is connecting staff with various organisations, including the NHS, emergency services, and other charities.
Travel Consultant, Penny Bond signed up to support Age UK, the NHS and The British Red Cross. Penny is also working on a project called ‘A letter to a friend, a letter of joy' sending letters to people in care homes to the residents to brighten their day.
Penny said:
“As an LNER Reserve, I feel I am doing something positive. Care home residents are currently very much isolated, with no access to visitors so sending letters, poems and pictures is a way of trying to put a smile on their faces. My local community and LNER colleagues across the country are helping.”
LNER Managing Director, David Horne said:
“In this time of national crisis, it is fantastic that colleagues have been able to stay connected to the communities we serve and help to support them while our key workers are continuing to keep those for whom travel is essential on the move. We are delighted with the dedication colleagues have shown, resulting in thousands of hours in volunteering time so far and the hours continue to grow. As a responsible business we put our people, customers and communities at the heart of what we do and this is just one way of doing that.”
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LNER should have some of the famous people’s names on their Class 800 and Class 801 Azuma IET units. Just like what GWR have done to their Class 800 and Class 802 IET units with famous names being added to their rolling stocks during the Coronavirus outbreak. Including Captain Tom Moore’s name being added to the GWR Class 800 train.