Calling All Cans: Our Foodbanks Are Empty

Wattie’s Cans Film Festival, Wednesday 28 October 2009

The Wattie’s Cans Film Festival is back for its 16th year, and just in the nick of time, as food banks are in danger of running dry after a 40 per cent hike in demand for food parcels.

Major Jeff Winterburn from The Salvation Army says that the Wattie’s Cans film festival can’t come soon enough. “Food banks all around the country are low in stock, because of an unprecedented level of demand from struggling New Zealanders.”

Kiwis up and down the country can once again trade a can of Wattie’s food for a movie ticket and every single can of food donated will go directly into The Salvation Army food banks.

Wattie’s is doing its bit too, and will double the number of cans donated by the movie-going public by matching every single can given - with a second can.

“We are rapt to be involved in the festival, it’s a fantastic night out with a wide selection of films on offer, and it supports a truly great cause,” says Wattie’s General Manager of NZ Marketing Mike Pretty.

It’s been tough going for The Salvation Army who has already provided over 33,000 food parcels last year, and is set to see demand for food parcels rise dramatically in the upcoming holiday season.

Over the previous 15 festivals, around 900,000 cans have been donated to The Sallies.

The way the festival works is really simple. Film goers can swap their Wattie’s can of food for a movie ticket at their local participating cinemas from Monday October 19.

The festival night is Wednesday October 28 and movie goers need to get in early, as it is a first-come first-served basis.

The Wattie’s Cans film festival runs up and down the country with 38 cinemas available, thanks to the support of SKYCITY, Hoyts, Reading, and independent cinemas.

This year’s movie buzz is all about Bandslam. The festival has secured an advanced preview of the summer smash hit and there are eight other blockbusters to choose from. “The New Zealand public will really enjoy an outstanding selection of films this year, which is great news because their support is critical,” says Mike Pretty.

Wattie’s are confident that the public will get in behind this year’s Cans Film Festival drive, and will beat last year’s massive haul of 20,350 cans.

“The deepening recession in the second half of 2008 fuelled a 40% jump in the number of families seeking food assistance from The Salvation Army in the final quarter of the year,” says Major Winterburn.

For a full list of all participating cinemas and movie titles on offer, please visit www.watties.co.nz

ENDS

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