The Wellington Food Show has announced a new partnership with The Wellington City Mission, which will see the charity receive product left over from exhibitors at the end of the event via an onsite collection, and a space at the show to fundraise and highlight to the public the support it provides those in need.
The Wellington City Mission helps thousands of individuals and families across the Greater Wellington region, who are struggling with issues such as unemployment, debt, accommodation and social isolation. Two key Mission services are their Foodbank and Drop-in Centre.
Food parcels from the Foodbank offer immediate assistance to help people put meals on the table. Each food parcel is designed to supplement a week’s shopping, and come in various sizes – depending on the level of need. Regular food parcel support helps to relieve financial and emotional worries as people focus on identifying and addressing underlying issues through The Mission’s programmes and get back on track to a positive future. The Drop-in Centre provides a safe haven, where guests can enjoy hot drinks, soup, sandwiches, a main meal and dessert, while socialising with others.
Last year, The Mission provided over 17,900 meals and 3,100 food parcels to those most in need. Donations from exhibitors at the Wellington Food Show will contribute to keeping these services available.
Dona White, CEO of North Port Events that runs The Food Show, says: “We are passionate about the work the City Mission does, and being that we are a food-oriented event and they provide food to people in need – it certainly feels like a very fitting partnership. Our exhibitors will have the option to donate left over stock at the end of the event, rather than transporting it again, and we hope this drive will prove to be very successful and valuable to the Mission.”
Michelle Branney, CEO of The Wellington City Mission is thrilled that the show and its exhibitors are jumping on board to support the donation drive. “All the donations we receive are really appreciated, as we rely on the generosity of individuals, families, businesses and other organisations to help people when they need most. There are some fantastic companies at the show, and we’re really looking forward to being a part of the event – knowing that it will help to benefit others in our community.”
This partnership follows the success of alignments with the Christchurch and Auckland City Missions, for previous Food Shows earlier in the year. As well as the exhibitor donation drive, The Wellington City Mission will have a stand at the show, where volunteers will be talking to visitors about what they do and collecting donations.
Visit www.foodshow.co.nz for more information.
