Bumper food drive planned
The PGG Wrightson Real Estate Food Bank Appeal has gained momentum over the last five years and is looking forward to another bumper collection in 2018, according to organiser Max Lyver and his team of helpers.
“We have collectors who pledge their support every year so now we’re be able to cover O¯ tane, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Takapau and now Porangahau.”
Community organisations and businesses have been quick to recognise this as a very worthwhile project, which has gained support from Epic Ministries, Ruahine Cadets, St John Ambulance Cadets, Waipukurau Rotary Club, Federation of Women’s Institute, CHB District Council, Crowe Horwath, Takapau RSA and community, Porangahau Ma¯ ori Women’s Welfare League and the PGG Wrightson Retail store — all supported by the volunteer fire brigades, ambulances and local police vehicles.
This year Max and his team are asking CHB’s schools to also take part.
Collectors will be dropping off reminder notices one week before the collection, then walking the streets in O¯ tane, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Takapau and Porangahau on Thursday November 15 between 6pm and 7pm supported by private vehicles and 111 services appliances.
If you hear sirens blaring or see flashing lights that evening it’s a reminder to hang a grocery bag with your donation on your gate or letterbox. Somebody will be there to collect it. If you’re not going to be around on the day but would still like to donate, call into the PGG Wrightson store at 12 Takapau Road, Waipukurau. There will also be drop boxes in the CHBDC foyer and libraries.
In previous years, PGG Wrightson supplied 3000 branded plastic bags for the collection. But acknowledging the worldwide move away from the use of single-use plastic bags, the team is asking people to re-purpose any old shopping bags they might have and put their donations in them.
The bags will be disposed of responsibly after the collection.
“We’re asking people to have a look in their cupboards for anything they can spare to help those in need at this time of the year. Such things as tins of fruit, vegies or beans, jars of jam, sauces and pickles, packets of biscuits, pasta, noodles, soup and even household cleaning products. Any non-perishable food items will all go to needy families,” says Max.
Tegel Foods have again pledged to donate frozen chicken products which will be a welcome addition to anybody’s Christmas dinner.
■ If you can help collect with a car or ute, contact Max on 858 6780 or Michelle Burne on 858 6771.