Coronavirus: London-based Kiwis run group to deliver food to the vulnerable

For some Kiwis stuck in lockdown in the UK, binge-watching TV shows or doing jigsaws are some of the only ways to pass the time. 

But two Wellingtonians in London are taking it as an opportunity to help hundreds of vulnerable people living alone. 

Sam and Rachel Benton help run the Hampstead volunteer corps. It's only a few weeks old, but it has an important mission.

There seems to be no real method to this madness, but there's a good motive.

The typical Kiwi attitude of being able to figure it out as you go is ensuring vulnerable Londoners are being looked after.

"There's been a lot of people who have been quite scared and anxious about what's going on, unable to support themselves, and they've been so grateful that everyone's been able to chip in and help," Sam says.

The group has more than 600 volunteers - most are Brits, some are American, and some are Australian.

"We have just come together quite quickly and quite organically. So there's no official leaders, it's not an official program or a charity, it really is just neighbours helping neighbours," Rachel says.

When Newshub visited, they were putting together food packs with groceries donated by the Arsenal Football Club and leftover ingredient bags from Hello Fresh.

"Try and get some carbs, bit of protein, bit of pasta... and a sneaky little almond sweet treat," volunteer Conor Rochford says.

Perfect to go with the British staple tea, which was donated in bulk and needed to be divided up.

From here the parcels are distributed to those who need them.

But it's not just food the group helps with either.

"We go to pharmacies to pick up prescriptions for people who are unable to leave the house because they're in lockdown, we walk dogs, we talk to people who are lonely," Sam says.

And after a request from the local hospital, they're on the lookout for gadgets too.

"They've asked if we can collect any iPads or tablets so that patients can call and connect with their families and friends," Rachel says.

So far away from home themselves, Sam and Rachel couldn't resist the urge to get stuck in.

"It's like a tenet of our culture to come together and help," Rachel says.

More proof Kiwis are good in a crisis.