A Bermondsey food bank is calling for people to take part in a run to raise money for the charity that supports it.
The Bermondsey Pantry, run by Kathy Heather is one of many food banks that gets food from the Felix Project.
Kathy, who runs the food bank from the Slippers Place Estate, is urging people to register for the Big Half, a set of three runs through London on Sunday, September 4, to raise money for the Felix Project in return.
The charity has 50 places available to London runners London, but they have to register before August 4, which is this Thursday,
The Felix Project wants to raise more than £30,000, enough to provide more than 135,000 meals for the groups that it supports.
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Kathy said: “The food we get from The Felix Project makes a huge difference to the people we help. We see how many people in the area are struggling to afford to feed themselves and the issue is sadly only getting worse, meaning more people are needing our help.
“We would not be able to do all we do without The Felix Project, so I hope as many people as possible challenge themselves and take part in some way in this year’s Big Half.”
The Big Half is now in its fifth year. The run, which will be broadcast on the BBC, will feature around 14,000 participants. There are three routes: a half marathon, a mile, and a relay where each person runs five kilometres. The Felix Project is asking people to take part in the half marathon and the relay.
The Felix Project has 50 places available at a discounted rate of £25 per participant for the half marathon and £10 per entrant for the relay (based on a team of four).
The minimum fundraising pledge is £300 for the half marathon and £200 for each entrant of the relay.
The half marathon route goes east from the north side of Tower Bridge towards Canary Wharf, loop back around Tower Bridge, go through Borough, Rotherhithe and Lewisham before finishing at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project, said: “We really want to fill all those places, it’s so important, especially in the current climate. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, but for those already struggling it is devastating and has left many people and families unable to afford food, rent and bills.”
The Felix Project is delivering 70 per cent more food than in 2020, and is on track to deliver the equivalent of 40 million meals this year for people who are struggling. Some 750 charities are currently on the waiting list for Felix food.
Ms Hill added: “We have seen a large increase in demand and it is vital we fundraise to ensure we can help all those that so desperately need it.
“Having events like this partner with our cause is incredible and we are hugely grateful for the support. If you feel able to take up a place and support our work, please join me in getting your trainers on this summer and help us feed London.”
Sign up for Team Felix and run The Big Half
Sign up for Team Felix and run The Big Relay