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24 Dec 2009

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

City Missioner Shirley-Joy Barrow Delighted With Foodbank 'Christmas Miracle'

City Missioner Shirley-Joy Barrow got her Christmas wish granted a day early this year when Mayor Michael’s foodbank challenge was achieved.

At its meeting held on October 19, Council resolved that a joint Council and Christian Social Services Wanganui Food Bank campaign be launched which included matching a $10,000 dollar for dollar appeal from the Mayoral Relief Fund.

Yesterday, a gift of a $250 Pak n Save gift card took the Food Bank campaign total to just over $10,000 – which will be matched with $10,000 from the Mayor Relief Fund.

Mayor Michael is delighted with the result. “I have been in regular contact with City Missioner Shirley-Joy since we launched the campaign and the response from the public has been simply fantastic.

“Every day since October members of the public have been walking into the City Mission and giving money – from the smallest donation of $3 to a couple of donations of $500 and $800.

“This year has been a particularly busy year for the City Mission – with a large increase in people needing food parcels as a result of the tough economic times. City Mission estimates they have given out $144,000 worth of food this year, which is staggering.

"Wanganui is the most generous community in New Zealand. I am so proud to represent such wonderful, kind-hearted people."

Shirley-Joy Barrow is thrilled to have achieved the target and described it as, “Michael’s Christmas miracle. Without the support of the Mayor and Council I don’t think we could have done it”.

ENDS