Octacan support ‘huge'
Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO) team leader Jollene Warrington said the event in Dunedin's lower Octagon supported the Family Works foodbank, and she was delighted more than 17,500 cans had been counted so far.
"And more are continuing to come in.
"Our target was 18,000, so I think we're definitely going to reach that.
"It's been a phenomenal, phenomenal day.
King's High School student Gregor Watts, 15, displays some of the 3685 cans collected by his school for the Presbyterian Support Otago Octacan appeal, in Dunedin's lower Octagon yesterday. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY
"The amount of schools, churches and community groups that have got behind this — it has been huge.
"And I just think we are so privileged to live in this community.
"This is my sixth Octacan event and it blows me away every year."
Mrs Warrington was impressed with the support of schools — particularly King's High School, which collected 3685 cans for the appeal.
"That's a super effort for one high school.
"They were phenomenal, and then they came up and helped unload them at the Octacan collection point as well.
"So between them and Taieri College, and a number of other high schools, they've probably helped us max out our numbers.
"Each year we can rely on those guys."
Family Works general manager Nicole Devereux said this winter, more than ever, people would need extra support because the cost of food and other essentials had soared, and more and more families were using foodbanks.
"Kai security is becoming a significant challenge for an increasing number of whānau.
"Our data for January to April this year shows that we have had a 53% increase in new clients seeking budget advice and support.
"High costs of living, low wages, health issues and housing instability are just some of the factors placing increasing pressure on individuals and whānau with less support services available.
"These aren't people living beyond their means — they are people whose means are no longer enough to live on."
She said the Octacan campaign was Presbyterian Support Otago's major winter food drive, which aimed to help restock the Family Works foodbank with canned and non-perishable food.
About 18,000 cans were needed to keep up with demand over winter until the annual Christmas appeal, she said.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
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