Congratulations to the colleagues recognised in the annual Proud To Be Asda Awards
Congratulations to the colleagues who've been honoured for their fantastic work at the Proud to be Asda Awards 2020.
More than 5,000 of our colleagues were nominated for an award, showing just how many of them have gone out of their way to make a difference during such a difficult year, and the 10 winners were chosen from a shortlist of 48, with thousands of votes cast.
Voting is now open for colleagues to choose their colleagues' colleague of the year, with the winner due to be announced next week.
Our CEO and president Roger Burnley says the awards recognise the extraordinary work of so many people during the pandemic.
He said: "In a difficult year, these colleagues reflect the spirit and dedication of our whole team, who in the face of a global pandemic have gone above and beyond to serve our customers, our communities and each other. Voting closes on Valentine's Day, so what better way to share our love with those colleagues who’ve truly made a difference than getting behind them and voting!"
The winners are:
Community Colleague Hero Of The Year: Julie Cook
Julie is the "heart of Asda Aberdare". During the flooding at the start of last year she often took calls from customers on her personal number. Throughout the pandemic she did the weekly shop for a care home as well as dressing as the Easter bunny and delivering Easter eggs to children who were shielding. Julie was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Read more here.
Home Office Colleague Of The Year: Maria Meek
Maria, who's a PA at George House in Lutterworth, has worked the 4am-8am shift in our Rugby store throughout the pandemic, picking deliveries before completing her usual day job. She also volunteered over Easter weekend to ensure the store was supported. She's been described as a "total star" and "an inspiration" to her colleagues.
Leading Asda Hero Of The Year: Pamela Marshall
Colleagues say Pamela, who works at our Dumbarton store, is "the definition of a true leader" and has shown strength, resilience and positivity throughout the year. She’s ensured an open culture to support colleague wellbeing and mental health, and speaks openly to normalise mental health issues. She constantly communicates and also runs a weekly Zoom quiz to boost team morale.
Superstore North Colleague Hero of the Year: Lauren Watt
Fresh section leader Lauren, who works at our Trenent store, was getting ready to leave for the day when she received an urgent call for help saying someone had collapsed and needed emergency care. Lauren rushed to the scene and performed life-saving CPR for 15 minutes. Her quick thinking and fast reactions made all the difference until paramedics arrived. Read her story here.
Superstore South Colleague Hero of the Year: Gemma Gray
Gemma, who our Dagenham store's community champion, was contacted by an elderly customer who was unable to leave their home due to shielding and had no access to the internet. Selfless Gemma stepped in and did the customer’s shopping in her own time, delivering it after work.
Depot Colleague Hero Of The Year: Mustapha Sarrsanneh
Mustapha, who works at our Wakefield distribution centre, jumped into action when he saw a member of the public in danger. Spotting an unwell lady walking past the depot in the middle of the road, he coaxed her out of the road and looked after her until the police arrived.
Home Shopping Centre Colleague Hero Of The Year: Lauren Price
Lauren, who's admin manager at our Leeds home shopping centre, is described by her colleagues as a ‘legend’ for her can-do attitude and willingness to go the extra mile. During what has been an incredibly challenging time for grocery online, "all-round team player" Lauren absorbed extra responsibility while also making sure colleagues’ health and wellbeing always remained a top priority.
Innovation Colleague Hero Of The Year: Hannah McGowan
Hard-working Hannah worked tirelessly in early lockdown to ensure that customers had the support they needed. Her innovative efforts led to a 24-hour prescription turnaround when other local pharmacies operated a 10 day turnaround. "Hannah has been an inspiration and motivator, structuring the pharmacy to work as efficiently as possible.”
Supermarket Colleague Hero of the Year: Robert Ellender
Colleagues at our Ramsgate store say kind-hearted Bob always puts others first – from purchasing seeds for an elderly lady who couldn’t leave home due to the pandemic, to spending his June bonus on supplies for the Salvation Army. He’s always on hand for a chat to support his colleagues too.
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all our colleagues who've done so much to help so many people throughout the pandemic.