PRESS RELEASE
Monday August 4, 2014

Sergeant Canny recruits food army

Struggling foodbank seeks support

An animated food army is leading an urgent appeal for donations to the Presbyterian Support Northern Foodbank.

A one-minute video features “Sergeant Canny” who is recruiting food for an army that will fight hunger in Auckland communities. The animation was created by a student from Media Design School to raise awareness about the Foodbank’s current shortage of food.

The Foodbank gave out 513 parcels in the three months to June, up on 491 parcels provided in the previous three months. That number is set to rise again during the cold winter months.

Foodbank and Budgeting Manager Maureen Little says requests for emergency food parcels have increased dramatically over the winter months, especially from families who are already struggling financially.

“Winter is always hard for people, especially in these past few weeks of cold weather. Heating and electricity costs can mean there isn’t any money left for food.”

Mrs Little says the Foodbank is appealing urgently for food items as well as financial donations to meet the high demand. Donations of dry goods or tinned food can be dropped off at any of five locations between Monday 4 and Friday 8 August.

The Presbyterian Support Northern Foodbank has been operating for more than 25 years and offers comprehensive budgeting support alongside food parcels. Families and individuals are referred to the Foodbank through Presbyterian Support’s Family Works and Enliven services as well as external agencies such as Women’s Refuge, WINZ and Child Youth and Family.

“Through our services, people are able to better manage their finances and are empowered not to get into debt. We only give up to two parcels as emergency aid to each person as we want to help solve the issues long term, not just in the immediate future,” says Mrs Little.

Sergeant Canny and the PSN Foodbank animation can be viewed on YouTube or the Presbyterian Support Northern Facebook page. To donate online, visit: https://northern.ps.org.nz/donate

Food donations can be dropped off between 4 and 8 August at:

Presbyterian Support Northern Foodbank

St David’s Presbyterian Church

Madeira Lane, Grafton

Family Works Waitakere
3 Montel Avenue, Henderson

Family Works Leslie Centre
37B Dornwell Road, Mt Roskill

Presbyterian Support Northern Support Office
111 Great South Road, Epsom

Family Works Te Hononga
10 Mahia Road, Manurewa

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