The current pandemic has made an impact on the lives of many families in the community. With people losing their jobs and unemployment rising, the family budget is stretched. Ropes Crossing resident Lawrence Tauasa has created a local initiative to help with this.

Lawrence has formed the group #training4milknbread, where members join him for boxing exercise and training four days a week (Monday to Thursday) at 6:00am at the basketball courts at Ropes Crossing. The cost of $10 to participate goes back directly to the community in the form of groceries to assist families in need.

“I work for the Department of Education. I’ve spoken to a lot of students whose parents have sadly lost their jobs due to the pandemic. We wanted to help give back to families and to ease their financial burden during this time” explained Lawrence to the Jordan Springs Gazette.

Through exercising and talking to the community, Lawrence and his team identify families that they can help. The money that is raised from the weekly training sessions is used to purchase grocery items such as bread, milk, cereal, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and toiletries. These items are then distributed to those in need.

The group is an avenue where participants can support one another through mental health. It has also helped with students’ and their behaviour, allowing them to focus on health and fitness.

“Our goal is to bring everyone together, promote fitness and wellbeing and provide relief for people where possible. You don’t need to pay to participate and you can just turn up” said Lawrence.

For now, the group will concentrate on holding the training sessions in the local area and may have plans to expand.

“Food is a doorway. It opens doors, creates discussions and people bond. If this can take some of the stress and worry away for them, it’s a good thing” Lawrence ended.

If you would like more information about the group, search the hashtag #training4milknbread on social media.