Southern Staff preparing and passing it on for Christmas food banks

Southern DHB staff are once again donating foodstuffs from their household preparedness kits to a good cause this Christmas.

Last year Southern SHB Emergency Management Manager, Paul McNamara came up with the great idea that Christmas is an ideal time for staff to update their household preparedness kits and at the same time donate their “near use by date” non- perishable food items from their kits or cupboards to the food banks to replenish their stocks in the lead up to Christmas. Those who don’t have a kit are reminded that this is a good time to make one and to purchase a few items to donate to the food bank at the same time.

“The scheme was started to highlight the need for staff to be prepared for emergencies by having adequate supplies of food, water and other essentials at home. It’s also a great way to “give something back” this time of year to the food banks,” said Paul.

The scheme was in its infancy last year but this year Paul is more “prepared” and is kicking off the appeal early. It will run from the week commencing 1 December to mid – January.

“We had a fabulous response last year and we’re hoping that as the staff are already familiar with the appeal and it’s starting earlier and running for longer we’ll have an even better response this year,” said Paul.

Collection points have been set up at Dunedin, Southland, Lakes District and Wakari Hospitals.

Photo above Southern DHB Emergency Management Coordinator, Owen Black at the Southland Hospital collection point

This annual event means that every year, staff are reminded to rotate their emergency supplies and to provide increased donations to food banks.

Civil Defence Emergency Management recommends that a minimum of three days’ supply of food should be maintained in your household preparedness kit. For more information go to www.getthru.govt.nz

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