The Rubbish Ramblers Raise Over £2330 For Local Food Banks
On Friday 24th September, 12 employees, self-titled ‘The Rubbish Ramblers’, from Streets Heaver and Kinetic Estate Agents embarked on a mammoth charity litter picking mission.
Fundraising for Streets Heaver’s Charity of the Year, Lincoln Community Larder, the team walked 18 miles from Woodhall Spa to Lincoln via the popular Water Rail walk. They were armed with litter grabbers and hoops provided by C.L.E.A.N and completed the full route cleaning up this much-loved walkway, raising over £2330 towards supporting Lincoln food banks in the process.
The Lincoln Community Larder is a charity set up to distribute food and other essentials to those that for various financial reasons, are currently struggling or unable to buy food. Sadly, this is much more required across the county at the moment.
Marvin Cottam from Streets Heaver organised the walk with great attention to detail. His passion to support the community was the drive behind his reasons for setting up the charity walk:
“The reason for considering a long-distance walk to raise money is that I thought it ticked a lot of boxes. Firstly, as the charity is a local one, I thought something that could be done ‘locally’ would be nice to do. Secondly, the fact that it was combined with a litter pick, meant that we would also be doing something beneficial to the environment.
There is such an increase in litter these days that anything we picked up on the way would make it again, a beautiful place. Thirdly, it got a great group of people together with a common purpose, showing teamwork and giving each other encouragement. This was so very needed with all the lockdowns we’ve had to endure. Finally, it is just great to be outdoors and getting some exercise, whilst raising money for our chosen charity. Exercise and the outdoors are so important to mental health.”
Marvin Cottam, a member of Streets Heaver’s Charity Team and Mental Health Champion, had initially thought up the charity litter pick for a number of reasons; firstly, it was a challenge that benefited the local community. Secondly, by choosing to litter pick along the route it would benefit the environment.
The walk also showed great teamwork and positive encouragement amongst employees. Finally, it’s just great to be outdoors and be getting some exercise, whilst raising money for charity. Exercise and the outdoors are important factors in maintaining good mental health.
The team of twelve met up at 8.00am at Kirkstead Bridge and after a safety briefing, began the route back to Lincoln. Along the way, they were greeted by many supportive walkers and welcomed for a quick tea break at ‘The Open Door’ in Bardney.
They arrived in Lincoln at the Royal William IV on the Brayford at around 4.00pm having filled two very full bags of litter (mostly drink cans and bottles but also included a pair of jeans) and also salvaged a shopping trolley. A fantastic achievement for all involved!
Reflecting on the walk, Marvin Cottam said:
“I am extremely proud of everyone that took part from both Streets Heaver and Kinetic on how successful the walk was. Not only did we raise a lot of money for this very important and local cause that helps people out with food in times of need, but we also picked a lot of litter up that is a sadly prevalent everywhere.
Overall, it was a great way to give back to the community and make the world a better place.”
The litter pick brings Streets Heaver’s Charity of the Year total to over £3160 so far, and with a few months still to go, Streets Heaver expects to raise even more funds for the Lincoln Larder. We’d like to thank everyone who donated and supported the team on the day, and a special THANK YOU to Kinetic Estate Agents for their fantastic company on the walk, as well as their incredible fundraising!