The two main beneficiaries of Defence Force-wide charitable initiatives for 2010—Food banks and the New Zealand Blood Service—are set to receive some special Defence generosity.
Kiwis Can
Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Mateparae, said the two charities selected for 2010 make an important day-to-day difference in communities across New Zealand and he hopes people will get behind charity events run at camps and bases.
“Our support sends a strong message to the public of New Zealand that not only are we a hard working Defence Force but we are also a caring one. I hope you will all support this year’s initiatives.”
Following the success of Mission Kiwi Can in 2009, local food banks will again stand to benefit from the generosity of Defence people.
“Last year we donated over 6,500 cans to food banks around the country, which we collected at the same time many of our people were busy responding to the tsunami relief effort in Samoa,” said LTGEN Mateparae.
“This year I challenge us to try and double the donation of cans given in 2009 as these will make a huge difference to families in need, especially in the weeks prior to Christmas.”
Mission Kiwi Can commenced on 1 October with the donated food to be handed over to local food banks on 15 October. Each ship/camp/base will have its own main point of contact, so look out for the Mission Kiwi Can poster that will tell you where to drop off your donations.
Then in November, Defence Force members around the country are being encouraged to donate blood as part of a drive called Blood Brothers. The New Zealand Blood Service has noticed a substantial downturn in the number of donors nationwide and is urgently looking for new donors, particularly those aged between 18 and 30.
“I know a large number of Defence Force people are already regular blood donors; I’m encouraging more to do the same through the Blood Brothers campaign. Each unit of blood donated can save up to three lives. You never know when you or someone close to you might be on the receiving end of a blood transfusion,” said LTGEN Mateparae.