8th Jan 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
With the heavy snowfall putting much of the UK at a standstill, apetito, the specialist meal provider, is going the extra mile to ensure the elderly continue to receive their meals on wheels.
The Croydon depot delivers to around 320 customers each day - making sure they have a hot meal and are coping with the weather.
Sarah Rogers, depot manager at Croydon spent two hours walking the five mile journey to work on Thursday morning, when bus and train services came to a halt: "The weather has been atrocious, in spite of these conditions, in fact, because of these conditions, we have to ensure all meals are delivered on time to local residents. Some of our drivers could not get to the depot so others worked overtime.
"Even family members of the staff came in to help and because schools were closed, we provided a baby-sitting service for those of the team who needed it. It's been fantastic, a real 'we'll not be beaten' atmosphere. We know our customers rely on us, we're often the only person they see in a day and we were not going to let them down.
"Over 80% of meals have been delivered on foot since Wednesday and the entire team has really pulled together to make our deliveries as safe and efficient as possible."