Octacan tally tops 19,000

Presbyterian Support Otago team members gather during the organisation’s annual Octacan food collection drive in the Octagon last week.

Although the day was wet and wild, many in the community still donated thousands of items to the Family Works Foodbank.

Development and engagement manager Ruth Wilson said more than 19,000 cans or equivalent food items had been donated, which it was "absolutely thrilled about".

"The weather was not on our side, but we still had schools, businesses and individuals coming down to drop off their cans.

"We are incredibly grateful to the entire community for supporting the foodbank."

It was not too late to contribute, she said.

Donations can be dropped off directly to the food bank, up the drive at 407 Moray Pl, weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm.

People can also visit OctacanOnline.org.nz to donate anytime.