A FOCUS on food security made Run for A Cause feel like the perfect fit for Golden Nugget Bakery to take big steps in getting involved.
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Golden Nugget co-owner Alicia Matthews said consistently finding the right way to distribute left-overs from three bakeries was an on-going concern, particularly amid reports one in eight people across Ballarat were going hungry.
In the six weeks since The Ballarat Foundation went public with plans for a new mass charity fun run and walk, more than 40 Ballarat businesses and community partners have rallied to get involved and make a difference. Funds raised will boost Ballarat's bid for a central food bank distribution centre.
“Each afternoon we have a few different groups come that we donate food to but there is a short timing window of opportunity to do so, and it is not always possible,” Ms Matthews said.
Some days we have a lot of food left over...to be able to help raise funds for a food distribution centre for the community is really important.
- Golden Nugget Bakery co-owner Alicia Matthews
“It would be great to have a food bank to distribute food nice and fairly where needed.”
The Ballarat Foundation officially launched the countdown to the city’s newest mass charity event on Tuesday.
Foundation chief executive officer Matt Jenkins has maintained from the outset this was an ambitious goal in such a short time frame, especially given the organisation has never hosted a fun run and walk before.
The Ballarat Foundation stepped in to save a mass running event for the city after the folding of the popular Run Ballarat for a new, now complete, hospital children’s ward.
Mr Jenkins said community support and expertise backing had been humbling to keep the event on track.
Ballarat ParkRun director and ParkRun Australia social media ambassador Ricci McGrevy met Mr Jenkins when she popped in to buy a pair of socks at The Running Company, now is helping to organise the run.
Ms McGrevy promises a fast, flat and friendly for anyone taking the steps to get involved in a fun and lively course in Vic Park and by Lake Wendouree on November 18.
The five-kilometre event is different to the ParkRun course, while a 10km run will take in Vic Park and Lake Wendouree.
There will also be a 5km family walk, suitable for parents with prams, and a 1km children’s dash.
Registrations are open now at run4ac.org.
- READ MORE: The hidden hunger in Ballarat
For more about food insecurity in Ballarat, watch below.
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