By David Kavanagh | posted on November 28, 2019
FOODBANK Albany and the Weekender are once again calling for donations of non-perishable foodstuff for next month’s annual Can-Do food drive.
Albany copies of the December 5 edition of the Weekender will contain a single white reusable plastic bag which residents are encouraged to fill with the items.
These will be collected from property road verges by volunteers at around 10am on Sunday, December 8 and distributed to people in need during the Christmas period.
Foodbank Albany Branch Manager Rod Pfeiffer said the organisation faced a constant struggle to keep up with demand.
“This year in Western Australia alone, Foodbank will spend more than a million dollars purchasing food to feed families right across the state,” he said.
“We’re seeing demands consistently high and donations unfortunately aren’t keeping up with it.
“This initiative is a critical part of our lead up to Christmas where the community jumps in to help us bolster our stock to help people out that little bit more.”
Mr Pfieffer estimated Foodbank supported at least 350 families in Albany each year and that hundreds more were assisted through related outreach agencies.
He said donations would go to people who are homeless or anyone struggling to make ends meet due to underemployment, illness or other circumstances.
The Can-Do food drive has been running for several years and collected more than three tonnes worth of stock in 2018.
“In all reality we could double that and still not meet that demand. I’d like to get over four or five tonnes this year,” Mr Pfieffer said.
“I’d encourage the community to dig deep, jump in, get their neighbours and friends on board and maybe grab an extra bag and put it out the front.”
