The Salvation Army, Presbyterian Support South Canterbury, St Vincent de Paul and Women’s Refuge each received a $10,000 boost from St Vianney’s Timaru Trust.
Trust chairman Dale Walden said the trust was aware that demand escalated at this time of the year, so, for the past four years, it had made substantial donations to help local organisations meet the needs of the community.
"The trustees know that at this time of the year, the ability for some people to be able to provide even just the basics as far as food is concerned is pretty difficult, and the charities I’ve spoken to are saying that demand is increasing, and at the same time, avenues for funding have been decreasing."
The St Vianney’s Timaru Trust was established by the Sisters of Compassion when Morgans Rd Home of Compassion was sold.
Mr Walden said the trust had been the lead donor for the MRI appeal, as well as supporting Hospice South Canterbury and the Westpac rescue helicopter.
"The trust really is carrying on the work the sisters did in our community, and while that was mostly for the aged, it was also for the less privileged and less able and those in need."
Local radio announcer Owen (OJ) Jackson is also stepping up to help foodbanks meet the festive season needs.
Mr Jackson said he was dismayed to hear just how much Presbyterian Support South Canterbury’s Family Works Food Bank was struggling to keep up with demand.
"With the cost of living crisis, 2023 has been a tough one for so many families around our region and it seems to be affecting more people than ever before", he said.
With support from The Breeze and TMG Connect, Mr Jackson has put together The Family Works Xmas Food Bank Fill Up which will take place on the Timaru Piazza on Thursday, December 21, from 6pm-8pm.
"We haven’t done much in the way of celebrating with the new Timaru Christmas tree so the Piazza seems the perfect place to sing some Christmas songs and in the spirit of giving spread some wonderful Christmas spirit."
A large trailer will be parked at the Piazza for the public to come along and drop off non-perishable food items and toiletries for the foodbank.
