A local walking group has teamed up with a Belfast foodbank to help highlight their campaign to help families struggling this winter.
The 50 to 50 walking group first raised money and awareness for DeterMND, which was established on behalf of the late Anto Finnegan, former Antrim Gaelic football captain, after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in August 2012.
Since their formation in 2020, the walking group has went on to help other charities and local causes - this weekend, they'll embark on a 10K walk from Andersonstown to Mandella Hall, where the Foodstock Festival will take place.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Paul Doherty, founder of Foodstock, said they are doing all they can to help those in need of support through food parcels, clothes and children's toys for Christmas.
"The 10K is linking with the Foodstock Festival at Mandella Hall this Saturday," he added.
"We're asking people who come to bring food, it is free into the festival with 1,000 tickets allocated. The walking group will walk from Foodstock in West Belfast to the festival. They will have Foodstock hoodies and T-shirt on too, to raise awareness.
"They have tied in with local businesses up and down the road too who have really jumped on board and given their support. It has been a fantastic community effort.
"We are hearing really heartbreaking stories every single day. Families are struggling. We are also seeing people really pulling together. The 50 to 50 group is fantastic and really care for their community. They are the epitome of community in West Belfast.
"They have came to Foodstock and heard similar stories from those in need, and that has given them the drive to do everything they can to help. They have donated, volunteered and have really stepped up.
"Now more than ever, we need community."
Paul says Foodstock's mission is to help people get through the weeks and months ahead. And as Christmas is fast approaching, he is aware of families who fear that they may find the Christmas period extremely tough.
"We have had really difficult conversations with parents and are also working with social workers, health visitors and children centres," Paul added.
"People say food is a priority, and they are right, it is a priority, but Christmas is too. Every child remembers Christmas and opening presents with their family. That is an important part of family-life and not on our watch will we allow children to be without. We'll be there no matter what.
"We want to ensure that no child goes without this Christmas and have brilliant people behind us, making sure that we can help out. Carl Frampton has came on board with us and really helped out.m West Wellbeing has been fantastic and Gerard Mallon is an absolutely force.
"We're just all pulling together, and will work every day in the lead up to Christmas, and beyond that, to make the lives of others that bit less stressful and challenging."
For more ways to help Foodstock click here and for information on the 50 to 50 group, click here.
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