Volunteers are being sought to take part in The Great Coventry Foodbankathon to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity at a time of increased need.
Coventry Foodbank is inviting members of the public to take part in their annual event, which this year spans a week of raising funds and awareness for the charity, including a new Family Treasure Hunt.
The 34 km route stops at all of 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, and are hoping to raise significant funds in support of the Foodbank.
This year they have 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. For more information or to register visit: coventryfoodbank.org.uk/treasurehunt
People are being invited to join the walking team, 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 whilst 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. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a foodbank in the city every week. 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.”
Businesses interested in sponsoring The Great Coventry Foodbankathon are invited to contact: fundraising@coventryfoodbank.org.uk
The route will take in the 15 Coventry foodbanks, The Cathedral, Coventry Building Society Arena and the central distribution warehouse as follows:
- St Catherine’s Church, Stoke Aldermoor
- John the Divine Church, Willenhall
- The Halo Centre, Binley
- Walsgrave Baptist Church
- Coventry City Mission
- St Laurences Church
- Coventry Building Society Arena
- Holbrooks Evangelical Church
- St Francis of Assisi Church
- Foleshill Baptist Church
- RCCG Holy Ghost Zone
- Christian Life Ministries
- Coventry Cathedral
- Authentic Church, Lamb Street
- Queens Road Baptist Church Centre
- Allesley Park Evangelical Church
- Our Lady of The Assumption RC Church, Aldermans Green
- Canley, St Stephen’s Church
There are different variations that someone wanting to take part can opt to do – a shorter walk between two or more foodbank centres; the 34km traditional Foodbankathon route or ‘The Loop’ – starting and ending at the same foodbank centre, which totals around 42km, the distance of a Marathon.
Participants can choose their own start time and route maps can be downloaded from the website. More information about taking part or donating is available HERE.
* Please be aware that the suggested route for the Foodbankathon uses public roads. It is the participants’ responsibility for their own safety when taking part in the event. Coventry Foodbank cannot bear any responsibility for the safety of participants taking part.
