Staff Reporter
More than 155 schools from around the country have signed up to take part in Wattie’s Cans for Good – national can collection to help struggling families with food support.
With Salvation Army foodbanks around the country already running low on stock and higher demand for its services, the collection and education campaign being run by The Salvation Army in partnership with Wattie’s will help restock foodbank shelves in the lead up to Christmas.
“Household budgets are stretched by rising living costs, especially for food and rent. We are seeing a number of food banks throughout the country stretched to meet the demand from people requiring food parcels. Already this year, we have seen almost an 11% increase for food parcels from the previous year,” The Salvation Army Head of Social Services Pam Waugh said.
“Christmas is an extremely difficult time for many families, so food donations from Wattie’s Can’s for Good will make a real difference to New Zealanders when they need it the most,” she said.
Local Foodbanks
All the cans collected at the Wattie’s Cans for Good between October 30 to November 3, 2017 will be given to The Salvation Army for use in local foodbanks enabling kindergartens and schools to make a direct and real difference to those in need in their local community.
It is the second year of the campaign which combines collecting for charity with a creative competition and teaching resources designed to engage children and teachers, in a fun, team-based giving and learning experience.
Activity for High Schools
This year, Wattie’s Cans for Good has introduced a budgeting resource and activity for high school students which give insight into the realities faced by many kiwi families living on a budget.
Last year, The Salvation Army provided more than 58,000 food parcels to help Kiwis in need get back on their feet.
Kindergartens and schools keen on participating in the Wattie’s Cans for Good can register at www.watties.co.nz/cansforgood
