Ronnie Goodberry has a willingness to help anyone in need says Keith Baker OBE

Over the last few years the country had to cope with some serious issues from COVID to the current cost of living crisis. When events like these occur there are always a few individuals who demon strate compassion and a willingness to help anyone in need. In Woodley, one of those individuals is Ronnie Goodberry. So, what is his story?

When COVID first hit two Woodley Facebook groups were set up. Ronnie was instrumental in combining them and “Woodley Volunteers for COVID-19” was born. This group, with a membership of around 1,500, was open to anyone with a direct connection to Woodley. The primary role is to help any resident who needs assistance. During the peak of COVID every one of the 400 plus roads in Woodley had a designated road volunteer who acted as a focal point for residents to ask for assistance. Another key role is collection of food and toiletries.

As you find elsewhere, an active Foodbank in Woodley exists but opening times can be limiting for those who wish to donate items. Ronnie decided to open his house as a collection point to receive donations from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. This has continued in the post COVID era and has recently passed 1,000,000 items donated!

Ronnie is never willing to “rest on his laurels” so he continues to think of other ways to help. So, he opened his collection point to things like books and toys for children, or disability items like wheelchairs and walkers. At Christmas time he organises special collection of “goodies” for vulnerable residents. Next, was to get people to make cakes for distribution to essential workers like the police or the fire brigade. Another bunch of goodies were delivered to these folks who were working over the Xmas period. By now Ronnie’s creative juices went into overdrive so he continued the concept of goodie bags to essential workers to be distributed to NHS staff, the police and the fire brigade. Nothing is too much for Ronnie - if someone needs help no matter what that help is, he is there either doing it himself or using his contacts.