THE festive season could be made much more enjoyable for families struggling across the region thanks to Foodbank Mount Gambier’s can drive.
Giving the local community an opportunity to donate canned food on two occasions over the next couple of weeks, Foodbank ambassador Vince Versace said they are hoping to collect between 1500 and 1800kg of food.
“It is a great time of the year, but is also quite emotionally draining on some families – these can drives will help to close that gap a little bit,” he said.
“Each year we have more people coming forward needing help – it is a continuous cycle.
“Last year we almost made it to our goal of 1000kg at just one of the locations so hopefully we will get there this year.”
Handed on to local agencies in the Limestone Coast to distribute to families in need, Foodbank Mount Gambier manager Lynne Neshoda said it will help to relieve the financial pressures felt by many in the community.
“It is not just about Christmas – a lot of the agencies are closed over that whole holiday period and many people struggle to get by,” she said.
“If every person gave a kilo – which could be just two cans – that would be amazing.”
Also putting together hampers to provide a little extra assistance, Ms Neshoda said local businesses have been very generous in donating supplies.
“The hampers are a great addition to the can drive and will also be distributed to agencies across the region, especially those that do not get a lot of funding,” she said.
“One agency in particular was very excited about the hampers because they did not have anything else to give those families to help them through those couple of weeks.”
The hampers are filled with general products such as tuna, pasta and rice, as well as Christmas goods including puddings and mince pies.
Can drives will take place from 10am to 4pm at the Marketplace outside Woolworths on Saturday and at Coles on December 16.
