NewsOpinion #BTColumn – Big Mike – the good Samaritan by Barbados Today Traffic 14/02/2021 written by Barbados Today Traffic 14/02/2021 4 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 195 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today. by Vincent “Boo” Nurse It is not the easiest of times for some of the residents of Croydon in the UK. The borough is situated on the south side of London and amongst the many such areas of the capital it houses the highest number of Black Caribbean citizens (over 31,000). Croydon has one of the highest levels of unemployment in the country, particularly among young Black people. It was once famous for being the Bishopric of the first Black Bishop in the Church of England, Barbadian the Right Reverend Sir Wilfred Wood. COVID-19 has dealt a particularly severe blow on many of the residents of this once thriving town. Coupled with the harshness of winter some residents have had to depend on charities in the area where soup kitchens and food banks are on the increase. Barbadian Mike Springer (aka Big Mike) is one of several volunteers who seek to give comfort to some of the less fortunate in the community. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition Business owners disappointed Police investigate shooting Big Mike owns a Caribbean restaurant which is situated at Box Park outside east Croydon railway station. In normal times the location is the site where many Barbadians and fellow Caribbean nationals meet to dine and socialise. I caught up with the genial and easygoing old Combermerian after his charitable deeds were the subject of a programme on national BBC Television Breakfast Show. First, I asked him to give insight about the voluntary work which has brought him national recognition and admiration. Mike said he observed at first hand that many in the community were without a daily meal and, as it is his undying belief that no one should go hungry, he was inspired to lend some assistance to provide a meal for as many as it was possible to accommodate and as often as was possible. Currently Big Mike provides one hundred hot meals every other Friday to people of all descriptions, but he is quick to point out that his operation is a small part in a very large wheel. So, let Mike take up his story: “During the early days of the first lockdown in the country I felt that I should do something to give back to the community where I live and have lived for many years. Consequently, a goal was set, and I determined that it would be achieved. The project was called Challenge 100 and as the name implies, I set out to provide 100 meals every fortnight.” I thought Mike’s actions were perhaps ambitious and I suggested as much. The big fellow was quick to rebut my suggestion: “Look man, I believe firmly that no one should go hungry and therefore if I can do something to ease the pain of hunger of some in the community then I will act.” And he was passionate. He continued: “To me it is a no-brainer whether or not I try to help whenever and wherever I can.” Big Mike firmly believes that feeding the community under current circumstances helps to unify. Plaintively he added: “There are so many in need. It touches me deeply when young mothers come to the site to collect food for their children.” And how, I enquired, did he come to feature in a national BBC broadcast? He answered: “I certainly did not seek publicity. However, word about the project went around and I was approached by a BBC TV producer to give a voice and face to Challenge 100 in the hope that it would be emulated across the country.” One of the noblest of features of Challenge 100 is that Mike is selflessly and fully committed and funds it independently. Before the current lockdown in London, I was able to take a peek behind the scenes of a Challenge 100 operation and I observed broad appreciation for the work of Big Mike. One elderly Black man fully encapsulated the views of all those present when he ruefully observed: “The world needs more Big Mikes.” The generosity and compassion as shown by this gentle Bajan giant seem to have no limits and we should be proud of his work in his community. If anyone is moved to lend assistance to project Challenge 100 they should visit www.bigmikesck.com for further information. Vincent “Boo” Nurse is a Barbadian living in London who is a retired land Revenue Manager, Pensions and Investment Adviser. He is passionate about the development of his island home and disapora. Barbados Today Traffic You may also like Walters urges govt to avert cost of living rise due to port... 12/02/2025 Protecting student privacy – The urgent need for stronger data policies in... 11/02/2025 #BTColumn – Making our roads safe 09/02/2025