Alfie’s Generous Gesture To Key Workers

Rhondda Cynon Taf student Alfie Ford is giving something back to his
community during lockdown, by providing care packages to key workers in his
locality. He has also been awarded £1,000 for his chosen charity, the Noah’s
Ark Children’s Hospital due to his generosity.

From NHS staff to Council Streetcare staff, postal workers, police officers, fire
officers and members of the local Diocese, Alfie – described as a “Lockdown
Hero” – has been safely delivering his special parcels, adhering to all Welsh
Government COVID-19 regulations at all times.
Alfie, a Year 8 student at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, has been
working on his First Give project ‘Helping From Home’ with assistance from
his Religious Studies teacher David Church. It forms part of a nationwide
competition and Alfie has been announced as the March winner of My First
Give.

Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for
Education and Social Inclusion, said: “Congratulations to Alfie on his
wonderful initiative. Working with his teacher, Mr. Church, he is doing an
amazing job in his community at this very difficult time for everyone.
“Alfie’s generosity and the support of local businesses is certainly spreading
some cheer to our key workers at this vital time, and all of Alfie’s efforts have
also benefitted the Noah’s Ark Children’s Charity.

“This admirable young man is a true inspiration to others as he personally
thanks our key workers for all that they continue to do to care for us all and
keep us residents as safe as possible.”

Alfie has the support of stores such as Tesco, Farm Foods, Asda, Waitrose,
Co-Operative and Sainsbury’s, as well as family and friends. He makes up
two different types of ‘Happiness Packs’ – one which includes pamper items

such as bath bombs and facemasks; and one which includes tea, coffee, hot
chocolate and biscuits.
Each item is individually selected by Alfie in the hope of helping the recipients
relax at the end of a long shift in work. All parcels are individually wrapped
and delivered with a personal note of appreciation to the recipient.
Alfie, who is now an Ambassador for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Charity, is
delighted to be awarded £1,000 for his chosen charity. He said: “I am so
happy to have won this money for them.

“We started off with the idea of just making up a few parcels for a handful of
key workers, but I have had some amazing support from the local
supermarkets and would like to thank them for all their donations.
“The idea just grew and grew beyond my wildest dreams and I would like to
thank my school and teacher for giving me this opportunity. It is something I
will never forget.”
David Church, Mountain Ash Comprehensive School Religious Studies
teacher, said: “I am so proud of what Alfie has achieved. It has been a huge
pleasure and privilege to work with him on his First Give ‘Helping From Home’
project. His enthusiasm, determination, thoughtfulness and empathy has been
a joy to witness.

“Alfie is a real credit to his family, to Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, to
the local community and is a wonderful young man. He certainly has a very
bright future ahead of him. He has inspired me and really is my lockdown
hero.”
Alfie’s proud mother Alison, said: “He is such a remarkable person, so
independent and determined. I am so proud of him and all that he does. Alfie
has fantastic support from his teachers at school and his ‘Happiness Packs’
are being so well received by the key workers.
“Alfie was keen to thank all of these people for what they have done
throughout this pandemic, but now is our time to thank Alfie for all that he has
done too.”
First Give supports secondary school students to engage in social action
within their communities. The project works in partnership with secondary

schools to inspire and equip young people to take positive action for their
communities.
As part of the project, students learn about social issues in their communities
and choose ones which are important to them. They also research charities
working in their community and select one to represent.
For more information on the First Give project, visit www.firstgive.co.uk

Listen back to Alfie’s interview with Gareth Williams through our podcast service:-

Spotify:- https://open.spotify.com/show/7zr277H2hjwqddE6fUmfje?si=Rd6R99UEQSaMl2FLzYYVfA&nd=1

Apple Music:- https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/gtfm-podcasts/id1552451294#episodeGuid=tag%3Asoundcloud%2C2010%3Atracks%2F1009758730