A petition on Change.org started by Rotherhithe Residents is titled, ‘Help Stop Vimal From Being Unjustly Deported’ is doing rounds of social media.
The petition reads as follows: “For over eleven years, Vimal has been a hardworking, helpful and truly kind presence in Rotherhithe Street. During the pandemic, Vimal shopped for the vulnerable. He helped so many people by supplying food and essential supplies to local vulnerable residents that they were unable to access in any other way
“It is because of this unwavering and outstanding community spirit that Vimal received a personal letter of thanks from Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, a representative of the Her Majesty The Queen, for all the support that he has given to his community.
But now the Home Office is threatening to deport him
“Nothing was too much trouble for this lovely man. He has proven again and again that he will go the extra mile for his local community. So let's not fail him when he needs our help. Please add your name to this petition to stop the Home Office deporting our friend Vimal.”
Noticeably, Southwark news reported that Vimal, a Rotherhithe shopkeeper was in ‘tears for three’ hours after receiving a letter on behalf of the Queen for his ‘exceptional contribution to life’ in London.
According to the news website, Vimal Pandya, who works at Halai General Stores on Gwent Court, selflessly helped 55 families with free deliveries and emotional support on the phone. It was reported that word of Vimal’s outstanding community service quickly spread and he received a letter from Sir Kenneth Olisa, the Queen’s personal representative in Greater London.
The letter read: “It has come to my attention that you are one of those people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am therefore writing to personally thank you for all of your efforts and to encourage you to continue making a positive difference to Londoners.”
Remembering the moment it arrived on his doorstep, Vimal said: “I was in tears for three hours. I thought OMG what is happening here. I was so overwhelmed. I really really want to thank Mr Olisa, the people who come to our shop, and my girlfriend who is always there by my side. This is something that is going to be with me for the rest of my life.”
