What can you buy with a can of food? Answer: A night's entertainment and help for a family in need.
The Wattie's Cans Film Festival is returning to Dunedin for the 21st time to stock up the Salvation Army food banks.
From today, movie lovers can visit Reading Cinemas and swap a can for a ticket to see a film in the festival beginning on November 12.
Captain Andrew Moffatt, of the Dunedin Corps Salvation Army, said the festival was of great benefit to the Sallies.
''I think it gives an opportunity for the community to be involved ... but also to provide some resources for our food banks,'' he said.
''It's a great little opportunity.''
The Dunedin Salvation Army gives out an average of 235 food parcels a month to families in need.
Capt Moffatt said the food banks were always open to donations.
''They're looking all right. We could always do with more. The need is actually increasing.
''We have people who are waged coming in for assistance. There is a need because [Dunedin] is not a hugely industrialised place.''
Last year, 41,882 cans were collected and since the inaugural festival in 1994, more than one million cans have been donated by the public.
Dunedin Cinema complex manager Henry-Stewart Landsborough said Reading Cinemas had been involved in the charity for the past 10 years.
''It's an excellent community and charitable cause,'' he said.
''If anybody wants to hand in extra cans, they're obviously welcome to.''
- Alastair Lynn
