The Ballarat Foundation is thankful for donations to its Feed Ballarat Appeal to help respond to the need for emergency food relief during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The philanthropic organisation has raised more than $5000 through donations to the appeal and participants of its virtual fitness challenge in the past three weeks.
The Feed Ballarat Challenge was launched in May, encouraging 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, while fundraising for the cause.
Ballarat Foundation chief executive Andrew Eales said there was still time for people to sign up to the virtual challenge and continue to donate.
He said the funds were needed to offer grants for community organisations to boost their food relief efforts.
"We are really thankful and positive about the way the community has responded in support of the appeal," Mr Eales said.
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The Ballarat Foundation partnered with Ballarat Community Health and the City of Ballarat in May to deliver emergency food parcels to schools and universities in the Ballarat region to help students and families in need.
More than 240 parcels were distributed in the first two weeks of the project.
Welfare organisations have reported more people of different demographics had sought food relief in the past few months, as many people lost their jobs or had their work hours cut due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ballarat Foundation's 2020 grants campaign will launch in the coming months.
Grants delivered more than $160,000 to organisations and services in 2019, including the Ballarat Community Breakfast Program and Meals for Change.
Mr Eales said he expected more requests this year due to the impact of COVID-19.
Visit ballaratfoundation.org/feedballaratappeal to sign up for the virtual challenge or make a donation to the Feed Ballarat Appeal.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
