Goodness Crateious Great Crates of Food!

This week, we were back at the Night Shelter Hive in Cheney Manor to help sort donations, sift out anything unsuitable or past its sell by date, load up a van for a tip run, and another van for distributing food to their other sites.

Before we set off, our ice breaker was our favourite fruit. Apples, strawberries and mangos were the most popular - although Jo’s kumquat was an excellent curve ball.

We also learnt that there is a huge difference between allotment grown figs and store bought figs, and that brambles and chocolate are both fruit! This run reporter knows which he’d rather eat...

We also now have four TaskForce members - Mike, Helen, Andrew and Charles have all now completed their TaskForce training and are raring to get more involved in all things organising GoodGym!

This was one of our shorter runs, and so we planned a walking group to leave the Oasis early. Unfortunately no walkers could make it this evening, but please do share with anyone who might be interested as there will be more shorter runs with walking options coming soon.

After the short run to BSS House, Becky from the Night Shelter met us, and briefed us on the evening’s tasks.

She also gave us a short overview of the Night Shelter. Starting 10 years ago in a church hall, their mission is to serve those who are homeless, vulnerable and struggling in Swindon. The Hive is one of five sites across Swindon, including the Gate cafe, the Hub shop and cafe, the Night Shelter itself at St Mary’s church hall, and finally the Haven.

We last ran to the Swindon Night Shelter in October, and it’s really great to be appreciated as much as the staff at the Night Shelter do. Much of their time needs to be spent supporting the homeless through a range of means, and so they do not get as much time as they might like for the physical sorting we can do. That’s where we come in!

Recognising us for our great productivity, we’re even looking at booking a community mission to their new warehouse in South Marston 4x bigger than the Hive. We’ll be busy bees at more than just the Hive - keep an eye out on the community mission listings for that soon!

We also talked about a fundraiser selling the (loads of!) gym equipment they have had donated to them.

We soon got sorting, shifting and supplying. Highlights included a whole box of out of date chocolate, a malfunctioning panini grill, alongside all the food.

We also got to move the van as well! Lynette volunteered for this vantastic task, seeing as she drives her 7.5 tonne horse lorry all the time. With Stuart on holiday, we have a new van queen!

After 45 minutes of sorting, loading and new TaskForcer Andrew led us on a longer loop back to the Oasis. Some of us split off for shortcuts or head for home, and before we knew it we were back.

Plenty of us also stayed late for a coffee and a chat. We’re all such a friendly bunch!

Next week, we’re running approximately 8km in total to lift, shift and paint at Age UK Wiltshire at Toothill Community Centre (not Toothill Farmhouse!)! It’s a real pleasure to be involved at what is an early stage for Age UK to be in Swindon in their new location - hope to see you Tuesday evening?! Don't forget to sign up here!