Kindness in the Community Award 2021

After a year like no other, the Merton Best Business Awards were redesigned for 2021 to recognise the challenges faced by businesses during the pandemic. We also wanted to recognise the outstanding work of an individual in our borough, whose compassion and humanity compelled them into making a significant impact within the community during Covid-19.

We worked with London Borough of Merton, our Headline Sponsor, to find people doing amazing things to support neighbours and their community.

To be eligible for the Award, the nominee must have exhibited any of the following:

  • Gone above and beyond to demonstrate generosity and kindness to others within their local and / or wider community  
  • Devoted their free time to address a social concern, i.e. cohesion, accessibility, isolation, health and wellbeing etc.  
  • Made a lasting impact on the life of another individual/s
  • Generated or contributed a significant amount of money for a community initiative or community based organisation.

The winner was announced at the Merton Best Business Awards on Wednesday 1 December at the prestigious All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Congratulations to Craig Wellstead, Cormac van der Hoeven and Xavier Wiggins | Co-founders of the Dons Local Action Group (DLAG).

What started as a small number of AFC Wimbledon fans responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, quickly gathered pace as the community corralled behind the cause. With over 20,000 registered volunteers, the organisation has become a permanent presence across Merton, Kingston and Wandsworth. Activities are centred around food, furniture and digital poverty.

See the full list of nominees here and find out about their spirit of kindness and how they went above and beyond to to help other people.