VOLUNTEERS are being sought to take part in a Coventry event to raise vital funds for Coventry Foodbank.
Coventry Foodbank is inviting members of the public to take part in The Great Coventry Foodbankathon, a 21-mile walk which takes in the city’s 15 foodbank centres and central distribution hub, starting from St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor and finishing at St Stephen’s Church in Canley.
Individuals and businesses are also being invited to sponsor the Foodbankathon, which takes place on Saturday May 30th.
The walking team will be led by Foodbank founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE.
He said: “We’re facing unprecedented times as the cost of keeping Coventry foodbank running is an increasing financial challenge.
“The Foodbankathon is an important event to raise awareness and vital funds.
“With food prices on course to be 50 per cent higher by November than they were at the start of the cost-of-living crisis in 2021, it is not surprising that donations to the foodbank have decreased while demand for its services has increased.
“That’s not a sustainable position for the foodbank, so we’re asking the general public to donate food and money so we can help families struggling to put food on the table.”
Last year, over 22,000 people in Coventry needed to use a foodbank, exacerbated by the rising cost of living. Over 250,000 people have received food from the Foodbank in the 15 years since it was founded.
Gavin added: “If you don’t fancy taking part and aren’t able to give money, you can help by raising awareness of the Foodbankathon and, on the day, you are welcome to come and cheer on those doing the walk.”
Participants can choose different routes – a shorter walk between two or more foodbank centres, the 21-mile traditional Foodbankathon route, or ‘The Loop’, a 26-mile route starting and ending at the same foodbank centre.
This year, the charity has also introduced a free Foodbankathon Family Treasure Hunt running throughout the week, inviting people to hidden treasures en route as they explore the city using their smartphone. Visit coventryfoodbank.org.uk/treasurehunt for more information or to register.
Businesses interested in sponsoring The Great Coventry Foodbankathon can email [email protected].
Visit https://coventryfoodbank.org.uk/foodbankathon for more information about taking part or donating.
