RUNNERS braved the elements to deliver essential items to a community group on Thursday, November 17.
Significant wind and rain could not deter Shinfield Running Club members from making the short trip from School Green to Shinfield Baptist Church, the home of Helping Hand, donations in hand.
James Suarez, the club’s founder, said: “It’s very overwhelming. I got approached on Instagram asking if our running club would do a food bank run and we jumped on the idea. The guys have bought into it really well and considering the weather this evening, which would have put most people off, to have 40 people here with so many items, it’s great to see.
“The job Helping Hand does is and the whole ethos of what they do is incredible. I’d really recommend everyone to check them out and to share their stuff on Facebook.”
The project supports those struggling to make ends meet, organising a weekly food bank and community cafe at the church.
Organisers were present to receive the items and expressed their gratitude in a short speech to the runners before they headed out for their evening sessions.
Sarah O’Neill, one of Helping Hand’s founders, was full of praise for the runners’ efforts, saying: “It’s so encouraging for the community to support in such a big way.
“To see all the runners come in on a miserable evening with such hugely generous gifts is really heartwarming, and it’s so needed with the current [economic] climate being what it is. Shinfield is such a great community.”
She added that during the 12 days of Christmas, Helping Hand will be running a ‘reverse advent’, suggesting different items for people to donate each day.
The group’s work within Shinfield has not gone unnoticed. A few weeks ago, Sainsbury’s awarded them a £500 grant to run a project to create recipes for simple and nutritious meals. Organisers Clair Corp and Clare Shandling hope to also offer in-person demonstrations.
Given the cost of living crisis and rising energy prices, being able to cook affordably using efficient preparation methods has never been more important. The project will help households eat healthily this winter.
Clair explained: “We’re going to take ideas from the local community and see what they think is a really tasty meal that’s really easy and healthy. We’re going to do a survey to find out what people use to cook and what their limitations are.”
Any remaining funds will go towards sourcing slow cookers for those who need to reduce energy consumption.
To find out more information, search: Helping Hand on www.facebook.com
