Corey’s kindness wins him a top prize during lockdown

A hospitality student who has been helping to produce thousands of meals for local, vulnerable people during the current lockdown, has had his kindness rewarded by scooping a top prize in a competition organised by his employer.

Corey Dover, who works part-time at the Costa franchise at Forton Moto Services, whilst studying Catering & Hospitality at Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC), suddenly found himself stuck at home with nothing to do when lock-down kicked in. So, when the catering team at college answered the call to support their local community by helping to prepare meals for the Eggcup Food Poverty Project, Corey volunteered to help.

Meanwhile, his employers at Moto were encouraging their furloughed staff to get involved with volunteering opportunities and asked them to send in photos of projects they were supporting in their local communities. Corey’s mum, Maxine, suggested that he get involved.

Corey was struggling with being at home, as he is used to going to College and working, so having the chance to volunteer on the Eggcup Project has been great for him. When Moto asked furloughed staff to send their photos in, I suggested Corey take part, as it is a fantastic project.

Corey sent in a photograph taken by his tutor, Lindsey Walker, which showed him portioning the meals out, with an explanation of how the project helps support people in his local community. To his, and his mum’s surprise, his employers were so impressed with his contribution, that he won the first prize of £1,000!

I was a bit shocked when I found out I had won. My mum read the email and told me and I didn’t really believe it. I have enjoyed helping out, as I was missing being at College and working, so it was good to do something that also helps other people.

Lindsey Walker, the Programme Manager for Corey’s course, oversees the college’s contribution to the project and was thrilled to hear about his success.

Corey has worked so hard this year and he has gained a lot from volunteering during lockdown. He has been able to apply the skills he has learned on his course and has experienced a different side of food production, which will be helpful for him in the future.

He was so excited when he heard he had won the prize and we are very proud of him. Thanks to Corey and the other volunteers, we have now provided over 12,000 nutritious meals for our local community, and we plan to continue to work with Eggcup in the new academic year. 

Corey has bought a new bike with some of his winnings, so he will be cycling to College when his course starts again in September.