31 days, 4956 good deeds - January Challenge Results

GoodGymers came together to conquer the lofty goal of 4500 good deeds and 70,000km.

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How did we do?

Across 61 locations up and down the country, GoodGymers logged an epic 4956 good deeds. That's roughly 160 good deeds per day. With everything but the kitchen sink being thrown at attaining this year's goals, (including a car bumper found during one of Lambeth's litter pick bingo?), GoodGymers both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers embodied the #DoGoodGetFit ethos.

Not even storm Henk could deter GoodGymers from turning up to deliver much needed support. From lending a hand at Southampton's biggest parkrun since pre-pandemic (totalling 1300!), organising the largest donation Growbaby had ever received in Kingston-Upon-Thames, and delivering some much needed help to Ms P in Camden (below); GoodGyms impact and the dedication of each of you who took part this month did not go unnoticed.

Ms P’s words surely ring true for many task owners this January. It sounds like we can chalk this January Challenge up as a success.

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MVP’s

This years Most Valuable Players can only go to the Area Activators and TaskForce across all 61 GoodGym locations. Their team spirit and collective effort continues to be the lifeblood of GoodGym - not least for events such as January Challenge. As the community grows, so does the need for TaskForce. If you're a GoodGymer willing to lend a hand on occasion, consider joining the TaskForce. Take on as much, or as little as you’re comfortable with and support GoodGym to #DoGoodGetFit.

More information on joining TaskForce here

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Well done

Congratulations to all. Your efforts directly shaped the outcome of January Challenge 2024. You've positively impacted your local community, improved your health and fitness, and hopefully left with that warm fuzzy feeling inside (sorely needed on a brisk January evening). Be proud of what you've achieved so early into 2024.

Together, you've cleaned, cleared, organised, chatted, uplifted, de-weeded, planted, rearranged, and much, much more. You've run, walked, and cycled to care for yourself, others, and the planet. You've made a difference, and this is just the beginning.

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And the Golden Trowel goes to…

Each year we award the area with the most good deeds the much sought-after Golden Trowel. This year it was a tight race but one area edged ahead.

“York got to be kidding me”, you might say after seeing who continues to raise the bar for what's possible in a single GoodGym location. Boasting 523 good deeds and 9891km, York have brought home the victory for this year's January Challenge.

York’s determination was plain for all to see from day one. Setting lofty targets of 500 good deeds and 10,500km, there was no leaving the trophy to chance this year... or so they thought. Kudos has to be given to Portsmouth and Windsor and Maindenhead, snapping at the heels of York (and each other!) throughout. Across all areas Area Activators and TaskForce created a buzz of excitement amidst their communities, inspiring action and welcoming over 150 new GoodGymers to our ranks. With all that said, there really was no stopping York this year when they had sessions full the the rafters like this changing of the tree guards (above) - 29 GoodGymers, including newcomers Kathryn and Emma, getting stuck in even on a chilly winter’s evening.

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Special mentions

GoodGymers in Leicester, Luton and Chelmsford can hold their heads high for their relative contribution to distance compared to their size, helping us edge closer to that 70,000km target. But as you know it's not all about the numbers, GoodGym exists to make an impact. A shout out must also go to the countless GoodGymers who signed up for older people missions and kept their commitments despite some challenging weather. It's the days that most wouldn't have went out of their way that it matters the most - well done.

Nottingham and Southampton TaskForce especially, did an outstanding job keeping a constant flow of good deeds that brought them ever closer to their goal of 15 - although Southampton knocked out an whopping 73. It turns out a communities drive to do local good can be a powerful thing.

This January Challenge was all about the team; together, all GoodGymers achieved something great. Whether your area was called out specifically or not, your contribution did not go unnoticed. You should give yourself a big pat on the back for the effort put in to making this January Challenge another success. Roll on the February Challenge... only kidding.

See the final January Challenge leaderboard here

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