Opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives with the Foodbank raffle
“Every cent we raise this way is a cent that doesn’t have to come out of another budget,” says Julie Solly, explaining the thinking behind her decision to organise a monster Christmas raffle in aid of the community Foodbank.
“Many people in our community don’t realise that there is a real need for the foodbank,” said Julie. “Since the first of July this year the Community Workers have given out 110 food parcels to people in need. It is funded by wonderful individuals and organisations and out of the Community Workers’ budget. There’s no government funding at all. There are all kinds of reasons for people to go to the workers and use the Foodbank. It’s not their preferred option, that’s for sure, but when people have no other choice, it’s reassuring to know that the Foodbank is there.”
All through the year, generous people place non-perishable grocery items in the Foodbank basket at Fresh Choice, explained Julie.
“But coming up to Christmas, especially in hard times, the Foodbank needs to be topped up,” she said. “It’s not just non-perishables that are needed, either. Families in desperate situations need the same range of things we all do – toothpaste, tampons, nappies, toilet paper, meat, fruit and veges and ready-to-eat meals. Donors are always welcome to bring things straight to the Community Centre.”
Julie has organised seven attractive prizes for the raffle. “It’s amazing how generous our local people are. It’s important to let them know how much their generosity is appreciated and how much difference it makes in the lives of Golden Bay people.”
Neil Wilson
