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67,000 cans for those in need
Over 67,000 cans have been collected in the inaugural Wattie’s Cans for Good campaign which took place in November.
More than 200 schools from around the country took part collecting cans to help The Salvation Army stock up its foodbanks to assist New Zealanders in need over the busy Christmas period.
Heinz Wattie’s generously donated additional cans taking the number to over 92,000 cans.
“Household budgets are stretched by rising living costs, especially for rent and power. With Christmas around the corner, food parcels are a great way to help reduce the stress on families who are doing it tough”, says Major Pamela Waugh, The Salvation Army’s Secretary for Social Services.
Participation and feedback from local schools has been overwhelming according to Heinz Wattie’s Communications Manager Tina Wong.
“We wanted to deliver something that was easy for schools, pupils and teachers. Wattie’s Cans for Good went beyond other campaigns combining collecting for charity with a creative competition and a set of teacher based resource sheets designed to engage children and teachers, in a fun, team-based experience,” says Wong.
The Salvation Army has been visiting schools as part of the initiative, talking to children about how they can make a direct and real difference to those in need in their local community.
According to Julie Henderson, Principal of Eastern Hutt School, Lower Hutt, initiatives like Wattie’s Cans for Good are a great way to involve all the students and their families in a project.
“It helps develop the awareness of others in our community and generates a positive spirit when we all combine our efforts to help others in need,” says Henderson.
Participating schools also had the opportunity to create something out of their donated cans, be it a picture or shape made out of cans or a low level can-structure. The winning schools with most impressive and creative designs were Eskdale School (Napier), Belmont Primary School (Auckland), St Mary’s School (Foxton), Marina View School (Auckland) and Kenakena School (Paraparaumu) will receive a $500 voucher to put towards art or school supplies.