Coventry 'Foodbankathon' to raise funds following rise in demand
The founder will be stopping at all of the city's 15 foodbanks
The Founder of Coventry foodbank is taking steps to raise awareness and funds as demand on the facility continues to intensify.
Canon Gavin Kibble MBE is inviting members of the public to join him on all or part of The Great Coventry Foodbankathon - a 34km route stopping at all of the city’s 15 foodbank centres, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th.
It is expected the Foodbankathon, starting from the most westerly foodbank centre in Canley and ending at St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor, will take around nine hours to complete.
Individuals and businesses are also being invited to sponsor the initiative and are hoping to beat last year’s total of over £5,000.
It marks the latest challenge for Gavin, who turned 60 this year, and who has worked hard to return to rude health since suffering a heart attack two years ago.
He said: “This year we want to go even bigger with a larger team walking, running or even skipping the route, with an aim to raise even more money to support the foodbank.
“I’d love it if as many people as possible could join me on this pilgrimage from West to East of Coventry to celebrate 13 years of the life of Coventry Foodbank. Please come and join me for one or two segments of the route or, if you’re feeling really up for it, the full 34 kilometres! Or just join us en route and take some photos to help raise awareness.”
Over 250k people have received food from the Foodbank in the 13 years since Gavin founded it. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a Coventry foodbank every week.
Gavin says the walk will also support his training towards a planned 200-mile Coast to Coast charity trek starting on May 18th in aid of Feed The Hungry UK, of which he is Projects Director.
He 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 support those doing the walk.”