Monday 13th September 2021
Report written by Anji Andrews (she/her)
A few logistical hiccups last night meant it was a change to the start of the planned group run. I am isolating.. again! and Charlotte was stuck in Gateshead for the second time in a week, but a super six GoodGymers arrived at the old stomping ground of Hotel Indigo ready to rock. There were a few pairs of tired legs, as Paul, Louise and Michael were sporting Great North Run Monday legs after a brilliant day in our city.
Michael, Liz and Tanya made their way up to Newcastle University ahead of the runners and from my end of the phone (Tanya with the loudest laugh in the world) it sounded like they were having a ball. Remind me to always be with the walkers when I come back! They met Bridget our task owner first who explained the job in hand.
We were helping the brilliant NEST, a project at Newcastle University that supports asylum seekers in our city. They have been working on a huge project to create care packs and provide clothing donations to refugees. Our job tonight was to continue working through the huge amount of donations that have come in from generous Geordies for NEST.
Paul said, "When we got there, the whole computer area had been set up for sorting, it was full of IKEA bags. Our job was to sort clothing donations, but there were also a huge amount of toys and other things for other people to do"
The super six made a big difference, but it's easy to see from the photos how much is still left to do. If you have any time to spare this week to help out, please get in touch with me and I will link you up with Bridget as this project needs to be completed by Sunday!
"It was brilliant to be back!" - Louise.