The Salvation Army’s foodbank has received a much-needed boost of nonperishable food supplies.
They were a donation from Ashburton Bridge Club members, following their Conlan Trophy bridge tournament last month.
Salvation Army Ashburton community ministries coordinator Catherine Harris said it was a welcome donation.
‘‘It always makes me feel like it’s Christmas,’’ she said, of the unexpected boost.
‘‘I get such a buzz out of it.’’
She said demand for the foodbank service had increased. The organisation was always keeping its ear to the ground for any families struggling.
‘‘It’s now no longer just even a family where mum’s on the benefit, it’s now two working parent families that are also asking for help.
“I think that just shows how hard things are actually getting for people.’’
The Salvation Army makes every effort to work in with families to help, and also works with other agencies in town.
‘‘We have sometimes been open longer than we should be. We’ve even done it on days that we don’t usually do it on,’’ Harris said.
‘‘We’re not asking people to take time off work to come in, so sometimes we do later, just to accommodate them.
‘‘And we are quite happy to do that.’’
Anyone in need, or looking to refer other families or individuals,can make contact by phoning 308-7610.
Bridge club vice-president Alan Wright said the tournament, this year won by himself and Peter Wilson, was an annual event where the 120-strong club called for food donations as part of the entry requirements.
Forty eight players took part. Some members who did not play also donated food items.
‘‘We used to have a mid winter Christmas where everyone got a present, but we decided we don’t need that, let’s do something to help the community,’’ he said.
