On our last group task of the year 20 GoodGymers turned out on a fristy frosty evening and delivered 27 food parcels around Oxford. Given that we’re currently in the most disorientating period of the year (what day even is it?) we were relieved and impressed that no-one had forgotten it was Wednesday: We needed all of you tonight, and it was extremely helpful that so many of you on closer hops did double deliveries.

We are now 2 months in on our Wednesday evening partnership with Oxford Mutual Aid. We’ve got our system running pretty smoothly, both for packing and making the deliveries. We’ve learnt the names, and a few of the faces, of our regular recipients, and know our way around the delivery routes as well as the food storage area to pack and deliver efficiently. Now that we’re in Tier 4 in Oxford, and therefore restricted to essential tasks only, we will no doubt find many extra tricks to make Wednesdays even slicker as the winter goes on.

Here’s hoping that Tier 4 is treating you kindly, that your friends and family stay safe and well, and that 2021 is a year with more good news than bad.

Happy 2021!

‘Twas the night before Christmas Eve, and all through the hall,
Not a single space was wasted, no nothing at all;
The veggies were stacked in the kitchen with care,
Broccoli, mushrooms, and onions all there;

The oranges were nestled so snug in their crates,
While pasta and fish pie just waited for plates;
And Rob in his Santa hat, Anwen in glitter,
Abandoned their ideas of getting any fitter,

When out in the car park there arose such a chatter,
Of GoodGymers arriving to attend to the matter.
Away around Oxford they flew like a flash,
With food parcels, presents both part of their stash.

As rain fell and wind blew they toiled around town,
With Christmas cheer, puddings, and no hint of a frown,
So up to the houses the runners they flew,
With their arms full of gifts, and much Christmas food too.

They sprang to the task of delivering cheer,
Knowing Christmas would be very different this year.
And we heard them exclaim, as they skipped into the night,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

A massive round of applause to Sarah for completing her 100th good deed this week!

Welcome Hannah - so glad you could join us for the first time!

23 GoodGymers pulled together to deliver 25 parcels of food and other essentials tonight.

Parcels flew out going South, East and West across Oxford. Many of the team doubled back to the hall after dropping off their first parcel to check all the deliveries were under control, which was much appreciated on such a busy evening.

Shout out to Mark and Ben for sorting and restocking the shelves while the first parcels started going out.

Special mention to Rachael who did 3 deliveries tonight: Gold star!

Excellent teamwork as ever.

Another Wednesday, another evening of GoodGymers loitering in an East Oxford car park awaiting their food parcel pot luck. East, South and West; we have most of the city covered with our man and woman power.

This week we had 24 regular parcels to drop off around the city and one emergency parcel to deliver to ensure a family didn't go hungry tonight.

People often assume Oxford is a wealthy city, but there's a lot of poverty, not helped by the high cost of living and the pandemic. Each week our parcel numbers are rising and there's more and more demand for help putting food on the table.

The large number of deliveries GoodGym gets through on Wednesday evenings makes a big difference to the number of people who can be helped. We appreciate your energy and your time commitment, as well as your store cupboard and Christmas gift donations, and yes, for answering the last minute call for carrier bags!

3 of our lovely team reached the 10 Good Deeds milestone tonight: well done Anna, Sarah, and Zoe. We're very happy to have you involved.

Thank you for the yummy cakes Sarah. Hope you enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Welcome Rosa and Claire - great to meet you both!