A Dunedin couple is encouraging locals to show as much support for their own as they do for those overseas when it comes to natural disasters.
Alan and Janine Race donated $1000 worth of food to the Dunedin Salvation Army in Princes St for victims of flooding in South Dunedin.
They made the donation with the help of South Dunedin Pak'n Save, which chipped in with one item for every six purchased by the couple.
It also packaged the items.
''When it comes to disasters overseas, people put their hands in their pockets. But this [flood] is just as bad for Dunedin,'' Mrs Race said.
''It was quite upsetting to see ruined carpet and other [damaged] things sitting outside people's homes and it made me realise how many people have been quite seriously affected by this.''
Mrs Race said the couple was not able to help physically but wanted to do something ''practical''.
''We wanted to do something constructive rather than just give money.
''We went to Pak'n Save and said 'we're desperate to buy food for the food banks'. We wrote down a list of the things we wanted and the manager looked at it and came up with the best value for money.''
It included mostly non-perishable food as well as other things such as toiletries. Three car loads were taken to the Salvation Army.
''We're trying to draw attention to the fact that disasters do happen at home.
''We need to remember it's just as important to look after the people at home as it is the people in Christchurch, or wherever else.''
