MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Romsey Test have donated the cost of all their Covid cancelled meals in 2020, raising more than £10,000 for the town's food bank.

When lockdown started in March, the group were forced to cancel their regular dinner meetings. For the past ten months, members have each donated the cost of their meals.

Jo Topley, of Romsey Foodbank, told the Daily Echo: “We are incredibly grateful for the dinner money donations which now total over £10,000.

"During the first lockdown we were able to use some of the donation to help, in particular, a number of people who had been moved into B&B accommodation with only a kettle available to them. We were able to buy specific food items to make up packages that did not require an oven or a microwave.”

Graham Lee, of the Rotary Club, added: “It was an easy decision and a very appropriate donation to make. We could not meet and eat together because of Covid restrictions, and we were able to directly help those who could not eat because of extreme hardship.”

The food bank helps families in so many ways and The Rotary Club of Romsey Test donations have helped not only provide food parcels but also other essential household items. They have also improved their storage facilities to be able to cope with the large increase in demand from families and individuals who are struggling, and who will continue to struggle, because of the impact of the pandemic.

Romsey Foodbank provides emergency food to local people in crisis. There are two centres in Romsey, which is open on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and in North Baddesley, which is open on a Friday morning.

A total of 525 three-day emergency food supply packs were given in 2019 to people in and around Romsey who were in crisis, benefitting 1476 people. The numbers will be significantly higher in 2020. Forty volunteers make the work of the foodbank possible.

The Rotary Club of Romsey Test is perhaps best known for organising Walk The Test Way, their highly successful sponsored walk which took place with a difference earlier this year but should return to its roots in 2021. Since 2003 it has raised an incredible £950,000 for numerous charities.