Wolverhampton gym fighting fit to feed families in need this Christmas
A gym that was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic has come out fighting fit to help feed needy Wolverhampton families in the run up to Christmas.
After liaising with regular gym member and city councillor Beverley Momenabadi, Foundry Gym owner Nicky Forrester has joined forces with the nearby Excel Church Food Bank to deliver supplies to families in the area.
Since the beginning of the pandemic lockdown, the church has delivered more than 30,000 food parcels to vulnerable families across the ward – with Councillor Momenabadi working daily as a volunteer.
She said: “After a training session one day I got talking to gym owner Nicky. I knew the gym had been hit hard by the pandemic like so many other businesses, but he was still determined to step up and help all those families in need.”
Nicky said: “Fuel prices are going up, gas and electricity bills are too, and no-one should ever go hungry this winter.
“Our gym members donated thousands of items last year when they heard that the Government had cut the funding for free school meals over the holidays – and I know they will step up again this year.
“We’re keen to help and incredibly grateful to food banks like Excel Church who do so much for those who really need it.”
Nicky added that, as a youngster, he remembered times when his own family had struggled so he understood the difficulties still faced by a lot of people today.
He said that this had played a major part in his determination to set up the gym and also to team up with Councillor Momenabadi in helping out the local community.
Councillor Momenabadi said: “I know families who have to make the choice between putting the heating on and eating sometimes – and that’s just not right.
“With energy bills sky-rocketing and Christmas just around the corner, I wish we didn’t live in a country where people had to rely on food banks.
“But when the Government don’t step up, we know that the good people of Wolverhampton will.
“The outpouring of kindness from people like Nicky and all the members at Foundry Gym in helping to put together and distribute these food parcels goes to show that in Wolverhampton, we always look after our own,” she added.
