Despite the early morning temperatures dropping below freezing we soon warmed up on meeting Jon and the other volunteers (Rebecca, Ann's and Nicola) who were busy simmering up today's lunch.

After a brief introduction we got stuck into setting up the tables/chairs and laying out the cutlery/glasses and other items ready for the lunchtime arrivals. There was time to spare to help with sorting the tomatoes and grab a cuppa before heading back out into the chilly day.

The Open Table at Martin Way Methodist Church is open to all and has become an important space in the local community. The volunteer team need regular help with the set up and cleaning up before and after the lunchtime service so keep an eye out for more sessions soon.

The Community Fridge distribution team were just finishing up when I arrived to start on the cleanup and we got caught in the filming for the upcoming fundraising efforts - fortunately I had remembered my GG t-shirt for once!

After that I got stuck into the laundry and vacuumingl, only realising after 30 mins the washing machine hadn't started. Thankfully on a short cycle it was still possible to get this done in the allocated time. Mainly thanks to the early birds Peter and Jay who had already done a fair bit of the other cleaning jobs.

Merton’s Community Fridge redistributes surplus food from local businesses and food growers, ultimately stopping tonnes of good quality food from going to waste. We have regular sessions throughout the week supporting the volunteer team so sign up to help with this great initiative.

2 Goodgymers signed up to volunteer at Morden Parkrun helping with the set up and barcode scanning. As first timers it wasn't too difficult to get stuck in on what was a chilly morning.

2 further Goodgymers arrived at the finish line after the run, and joined us to help with barcode scanning and putting the equipment away. We even managed to give out a few leaflets.

Afterwards we headed for a coffee to discuss all things Goodgym Merton and share ideas for getting the area and tasks up and running and to encourage new members to sign up. A great way to spend a Saturday morning and great to meet everyone.

Thanks Andy, Louise, Kate and the rest of the Morden Parkrun team for having us and we look forward to supporting with another event soon.

This evening Georgina and myself cleaned boxes, fridges. Sorted out the Recycling, also weighing and getting rid of the food that could not be kept. The time flew.

Clean and tided after tonight community fridge session.

Extra volunteers for the distribution today meant extra clean up tasks afterwards and a little rummage in the recycling bin to make some space.

It's important to do what we can to help the environment and separating the rubbish can be so therapeutic, especially at sunset.

Want to help, there's more help needed at the Community Fridge

Wednesday: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/extra-help-with-clean-up-6979c576-c8c2-4e6b-9ad1-992b556cebcc

Thursday: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/help-with-distribution-session-set-up-2f546476-a6fd-42b7-8e12-463167c8716a

We are getting plenty more charities/organisations requesting support. Help us get Goodgym Merton launched - spread the word: https://www.goodgym.org/proposals/merton

And watch out for more tasks coming soon.