Cyclists coming together to raise funds for job creation
Final preparations are underway in Co. Tipperary as cyclists from around the country get ready to take part in a fundraising cycle to help create new jobs in local food initiatives. On June 15th over 100 cyclists will take part in the 100k cycle which travels through North Tipperary and parts of Offaly. The cyclists will be raising funds for GET Local (formerly LocalSwitch), an Irish based cooperative, non profit organisation. The Get Local BiaBox scheme will be one of the first fully developed local food solutions on the island of Ireland and the aim is that it will be 90% composed of locally sourced produce.
Watch the GET Local BiaBox story here
The GET Local goal is to provide affordable, fresh, delicious food to a wide number of people and in doing so, create local sustainable employment. This world class food solution will help create a large captive market for the other products and services of our local entrepreneurs. The GET Local BiaBox takes it’s cues from established success stories from around the world, including UK based Local Food Direct and Farm Drop, Aussie Farmers Direct and Good Eggs based in San Francisco
Event organiser Padraic O Brien said “This is a fantastic opportunity for whole communities to come together and support local job creation. Almost €5 billion worth of food is imported into Ireland each year. We want to reverse the outflow of money from the local economy. We will do this through rebuilding local food supply chains. Funds raised through this cycle will enable us to provide start up capital to new local food initiatives.”
An event page has been set up on Facebook under the title Borris v Borris Charity Cycle Supporting Local Food Initiatives. You can also follow updates on Twitter from @LocalSwitch and @GETLocalBorris. Ambulance cover will be provided by The Red Cross.
Cyclists wishing to sign up can do so on the day or by phoning Padraic on 086-2222302. Online donations can be made at www.startsomegood.com/getlocalireland. To find out more about GET Local visit www.getlocal.coop
