Who We Are – Steven

From the moment the first lockdown started, Heywood postman Steven Kay started raising money for, as well as awareness of, the lack of funds and food his local foodbank had.

Walking around town as a parrot, monkey and even a kangaroo might seem strange to some people but not to Steven, who together with local businesses, has incredibly now fundraised more than £14,000 for Heywood foodbank.

Who We Are celebrates our key workers – connecting communities, before and during the Covid-19 pandemic – and beyond as well. We’re recognising people at the heart of our business, across the pipeline, as they describe who they are in their own words.

Since the beginning of the first lockdown back in March, Steven has been delivering the post in fancy dress.

A regular fundraiser for the charity, Steven has been helping Heywood foodbank provide their service for over four years, particularly at Christmas. Last year he raised more than £1,000 to help buy supplies.

Knowing most of the foodbank’s volunteers were aged 70+ and that the charity would be needed more than ever throughout the pandemic, Steven thought dressing up for his rounds would be an entertaining way to raise much-needed funds.

‘Before the pandemic, there were about 50 users at the foodbank, but now there are more,’ he said. ‘The volunteers there are absolutely fantastic, so I wanted to help.

‘Over the past four or five years, I’ve always collected for the foodbank, especially at Christmas. The foodbank always has items donated in December, but I know that come January and February, they have very little left. So, I put all my energy and focus into fundraising more regularly.

‘I’ve received a lot of love on my rounds. I hope I raised a smile and some community spirit.’

Steven won the BBC north west community champion award and was also presented with a ‘certificate of achievement’ from the Mayor of Rochdale in recognition for his ‘outstanding action and selfless voluntary contribution’ in helping the Heywood food bank.

Bernadette Gee, a volunteer at Heywood foodbank, said: ‘Steven Kay is our superstar fundraising postman. He brings joy to many with his boundless energy, all this whilst delivering our post.

‘Steven’s fundraising has helped us immensely over the last few months as the number of foodbank users is increasing month on month. We just could not run the foodbank without people like Steven - we cannot thank him enough – he is a star.’