The New Zealand Defence Force put its might behind a nationwide campaign in October to collect cans for foodbanks. The campaign, called Mission Kiwi Can, was launched on 1 October and concluded on 16 October—World Food Day.
Base Ohakea’s outstanding ‘can’tributions
The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, said Mission Kiwi Can is the NZDF’s main charity campaign for 2009. “Over the last few months the demand for food parcels has increased substantially, with families all over New Zealand needing help,” he said. “I thank all NZDF people who got behind this campaign and showed their generosity to those in the wider community who needed our assistance.”
Points of contact were nominated at each ship, camp, and base, as well as in Navy Reserve and Territorial Force units. These people coordinated the collection of cans in each region.
Regional foodbank coordinators were delighted that the NZDF supported them.
Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson said, “The donations from Navy, Army, and Air Force personnel will help to stock our stores in the run up to our busy period in December when we make up food parcels for Christmas. Mission Kiwi Can is a fantastic initiative and I know that our missions will join me in thanking all the Defence personnel who helped the thousands of New Zealanders who battle hunger every day.”
Mission Kiwi Can resulted in a colossal 6,327 cans being collected and donated to foodbanks from Whitianga to Dunedin—and we’re still counting.
Thank you to all who supported the campaign and donated cans to this very worthy cause.
Base Ohakea soars into action!
Base Ohakea personnel collected a massive 1,193 cans!
Flight Lieutenant Kate Clark led a group of service people from Base Ohakea, who went into the Square in Feilding and held a ‘Have a Go’ morning. In exchange for a can, visitors could try out the various Air Force equipment and clothing on display. Children eagerly participated and some elderly folk turned up with cans, just to support the cause. The initiative was very successful, with a positive response from all.
Headquarters in the can!
NZDF Headquarter’s personnel dug deep, with each floor contributing hundreds of cans. Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer handed over the cans on 16 October to Wellington City Mission’s representative, Father Des Britten, who was extremely appreciative of everyone’s efforts.
Can totals collected by Service
- NZDF 1,206
- Navy 763
- Army 2,369
- Air Force 1,989
- TOTAL 6,327