Foodbank funds raised by teams
Four teams of ‘ fundraising heroes’ have been recognised by a Horsham charity for helping support families in need this Christmas.
Virtual fundraisers have been taking place in the last few weeks for Horsham Matters, and a significant amount has been raised for the Horsham foodbank.
Paula Daily, community fundraiser, said: “Horsham Matters is very grateful to recognise four outstanding campaigns that have been running to support Horsham Foodbank in the run-up to Christmas.
“The foodbank’s big challenge this year was to raise funds and food to supply 350 local families with foodbank Christmas food parcels which will be delivered to doorsteps by a small army of staff and volunteers.
“In comparison, in Christmas 2019, the number of special parcels supporting families at risk of going hungry and referred by schools was 35.”
Among the ‘fundraising heroes’ includes Nicola Hayes and Mark Kennard who cycled the height of Everest on their indoor turbo trainers just before second lockdown, and Liam Cunningham who cycled from London to Prague on a fixed resistance indoor bike in November to raise funds to buy children’s gifts for the Foodbank Christmas parcels.
The Horsham Rugby Ladies’ team members and coaches ran, cycled and rode 2,395 miles from Lands End to John o’ Groats and back during November. Featured in this paper on November 26, they have gone on to raise almost £1,800 for the foodbank.
The Older People’s Mental
Health Team northern area also staged their own 5k Santa run in Horsham on December 8 to raise funds, as well as running a Foodbank collection point.
Paula said: “7,700kg of long-life food has gone into the parcels, as well as 525kg of Christmas food like mince pies and chocolate, as well as new small gifts for children and adults.
“The foodbank will need to restock in the New Year and would be grateful for long-life food donations which can be brought to our drop-off at our charity superstore in Redkiln Close, RH13 5QL, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.”
If people would like to make a financial contribution please go to https://www. justgiving.com/campaign/ horsham-district-foodbank
For any enquiries, email paula.daly@horshammatters.org.uk or call 07702 492824.