Asiyah Javed, a shopkeeper near Falkirk, knew she had to do something for her community when she met an elderly woman crying outside a supermarket – because she couldn’t get any handwash.
The 34-year-old and her husband Jawad, 35, have given out more than 2,000 ‘coronavirus kits’ – containing handwash, hand sanitiser, cleaning wipes and a protective face mask – to elderly and immunocompromised people in Stenhousemuir from their local Day Today shop.
“I posted on Facebook saying we had these packs free to elderly and infirm customers, and if they couldn’t come in we would deliver to them for free,” Asiyah told The Big Issue. “We started getting phone calls and it went viral. We’ve been having people come in from all different areas for them.
“We’re happy to do that because we’re trying to help the elderly, no matter where they’re from.” At least 30 bags have gone to local care home residents.
Putting together thousands of kits has cost the business around £4,000 so far, but the local community has rallied round the couple to support their generous efforts.
“People have been coming in and giving us donations, a tenner here and there, to put towards what we’re doing. Then United Wholesale Scotland contributed £1,000, which is really good of them.” She rubbished criticisms from a small number of locals who were surprised the shopkeepers would give the supplies away for free.