Can you join us in supporting The Talbot Association in 2026?

It’s true! Dunns Food and Drinks Chairman, Jim Rowan, is getting back on his bike having accepted the call to join the Foodservice, Wholesale & Convenience sector riders tackling the 2026 Cycle Challenge on a mammoth 400km journey through Sri Lanka in March.

After the incredible success of his trek across Tanzania in 2025, it may seem mad but Jim is back in training and committed to matching or even bettering the achievements this year.

Ahead of the Challenge, we are delighted to announce that our new 2026 charity partners and the good cause that Jim will ride in aid of are The Talbot Association.

The Talbot Association

The Talbot Association are an under-recognised charity based here in Scotland and yet the largest provider of residential services in Glasgow for people experiencing homelessness.

The charity is named in honour of the Venerable Matt Talbot, a man not yet formally recognised as a saint but considered a patron of those struggling with alcoholism.

Established in 1970 by Vincent Buchanan and a team of volunteers, the charity supports some of the most vulnerable people in the city, offering accommodation and vital support services, with each service delivered with the utmost care and respect for those they work with.

They stand alongside those facing the complex realities of homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health, social isolation, and long-term instability. Their mission is rooted in compassion, dignity, and respect - providing safe shelter, stability, and life-changing support.

It is incredible work that The Talbot Association carries out with discretion and in selecting them as our new partner, we hope to raise the awareness the organisation deserves for their efforts. Throughout the year we will be supporting them through event-based food sponsorship, including community gatherings and seasonal events.

Join us!

We are inviting our valued customers and suppliers to join us on this initiative by sponsoring Jim’s efforts in an opportunity to support a great cause whilst gaining exposure across our network.

If you would like to support Jim and our charity partner on this remarkable journey, you can do so here on JustGiving.

Any support, big or small, is hugely appreciated – alternative sponsorship from suppliers can be made in the form of stock donations. We’d love to discuss how we can work together to make this a success. Get in touch with your Buying representative to explore the opportunity further.

About the Cycle Challenge

The 2026 ‘Bikes Against Bombs’ Cycle Challenge is organised by MAG (Mines Advisory Group) International - this time tackling a demanding five-day ride across Sri Lanka.

Jim and the group will cycle from the western coast in Negombo, deep through the heart of the island, before finishing in Passikudah, a beautiful coastal town in the east. The route will cover approximately 406km and will be a true taste of endurance over steep hills and rough terrain - all under the intense heat of tropical sun!

MAG are a UK-based charity operating in over 35 countries, working to remove and destroy landmines and unexploded bombs. By doing so, they make communities safer and give futures back.

Jim’s flight and accomodation costs of participating have been covered by Dunns along with a donation to MAG. You can also support this incredible cause here.