Community members are encouraged to join a virtual challenge to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic, while raising funds for food relief in Ballarat.
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Ballarat Foundation launched the Feed Ballarat Challenge on Friday.
The virtual fitness challenge asks participants to track the distance they run, walk or ride each day and reach a goal equivalent to a number of laps of Lake Wendouree or the Goldfields Track in three months.
I don't think we have seen a scenario before like we have seen in the past six or eight weeks.
- Andrew Eales, Ballarat Foundation
Ballarat Foundation chief executive Andrew Eales said the challenge was a great way to motivate people to keep up physical movement during their days in isolation, while also contributing to the Feed Ballarat Appeal.
"I don't think we have seen a scenario before like we have seen in the past six or eight weeks," he said.
"There has always been a need for food relief and to improve access to food for disadvantaged people in our community.
"But now we are seeing people who would usually not be considered disadvantaged or vulnerable seeking support."
Mr Eales said university students and parents who have been stood down from work or forced to reduce work hours were two groups reaching out for support.
"I think this is going to continue for a little while yet because the reality is the economic impact is going to be extended well into this year and probably beyond," he said.
The Feed Ballarat Appeal was launched in 2018 to address food insecurity in Ballarat.
Research shows more than 12 per cent of people in Ballarat rely on food relief charities for support each year.
All funds raised through the Feed Ballarat Appeal will be distributed through grants to organisations that provide food relief or deliver programs to improve food security like education on cooking or healthy food habits.
More than $25,000 was distributed in 2019 to organisations including Ballarat Community Health, Uniting Ballarat and the Ballarat Neighborhood Centre.
Mr Eales said every dollar donated to the Feed Ballarat Appeal would have an impact.
"We recognise there are a lot of people that won't be able to give because of their circumstances," he said.
"But for those that can, it is a really important time because the allocation of money to projects that can help these people is going to be required over a lengthy period of time."
Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said the virtual challenge was a great alternative to traditional exercise such as gym sessions and classes.
"The virtual challenge is a fantastic opportunity to stay motivated and be active together, while we stay apart. It will be a great way to stay in touch and keep members of the family moving," she said.
Visit ballaratfoundation.org/feedballaratappeal to sign up for the virtual challenge or make a donation to the Feed Ballarat Appeal.
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