Torbay Tri Club members have been going the extra mile in support of the Paignton Community Larder, having recently organised a food bank run.
The club, who were named Triathlon England South West Region Club of the Year in 2022, was founded in 2013 and grew out of the local athletics club, established to help local people to get involved in swim, bike, run and triathlon.
Putting their best running foot forward, members set out for their usual Tuesday night run and transported their donations to the charity headquarters, located at Southfield Christian Centre, where they were welcomed by Andy Bichard, Manager of the Paignton Community Larder.
Founded in 2017, The Paignton Community Larder provides an essential service to the Paignton community and hands out food parcels to those families and individuals suffering from poverty and crisis situations.
The foodbank welcomes food donations enabling them to continue their vital work in helping others. Non-perishable items are especially welcome, including tinned meat, custard, noodles, tinned fruit, squash, fruit juice, sugar, shampoo and shower gel.
Following the success of this first food bank run, and as a community focused sports club, Club Chairman Frank Reay is already aiming to arrange another one later in the year in support of the Paignton Community Larder.
Whether you’re a regular participant in swimming, cycling or running, want to take on a triathlon, or are seeking to find a community to be part of, local clubs are a great place to start.
Find local affiliated clubs, including Torbay Tri Club, across England, Scotland and Wales on the British Triathlon Club Search.
Andy Bichard, Manager of Paignton Community Larder, said:
“Last year Paignton Community Larder provided food provision equating to just over 114,000 meals to struggling families and individuals across Paignton and Torbay. Every year we are seeing more and more need come to our foodbank and community supermarket, over double the demand since 2020. Every single donation enables us to support those suffering food poverty and make a positive difference in their lives. Contributions from local groups like Torbay Tri Club are always so greatly appreciated and it’s wonderful to see the effort they have gone to support us and raise awareness of the charity.
Frank Reay, Torbay Tri Club Chairman, said:
“The concept of Food Bank Runs is a simple idea that has been around for a number of years, with hundreds of different types of running and athletic clubs around the country now taking part. The run was great fun to do and left our members feeling they had really contributed to a well-established charity, supporting people in genuine need within our local community.”
Lydia Rosling, Triathlon England Regional Manager for the South West, said: “Like so many of our triathlon clubs across the South West region, Torbay Tri Club represents much more than just sport.
“Having passionate, influential members like Frank brings individuals together within the club but also benefits people far beyond their members. We are exceptionally proud of our volunteers and love hearing about the remarkable work they do impacting people’s lives.”
For further information about The Paignton Community Larder, contact: communitylarder@outlook.com
Photo credit – David England
