Agencies work together to keep the community warm

The recent severe flooding in Whanganui has affected many residents with some having lost their possessions but thanks to the generosity of some members of the public, a plethora of brand new clothing will help keep them warm.

Blue Light NZ was contacted by Digitech, a technology company, who wanted to help the Whanganui community out by donating two pallet loads of brand new clothing that was surplus to requirement.

The pallets contained various types of clothing including shirts, outer layer garments, hi-vis tops, hats, and overalls.

After a call from Blue Light CEO Rod Bell to Sergeant Craig Yorston, Whanganui Police Youth Services Coordinator, a plan was put in place to distribute the clothing to those most in need.

"The donation of the clothing will be much appreciated and the outpouring of generosity from volunteers, and businesses is truly heartening," says Sergeant Yorston.

"It has definitely been a challenging and distressing time for the community but to see the kindness from volunteers and well as businesses is very humbling.

"Residents have also come together to help each other out and that's what community spirit is all about."

Blue Light is a nationwide police initiative designed to reduce the chances of young people becoming offenders and to encourage better relations between the police, young people, their families, and the community.

"It was great to see businesses, Police, and Blue Light working together to help our communities, and we at Blue Light would like to thank all involved in making this happen," says Rod Bell.

Main Freight assisted in transporting the clothing from Auckland to the Flood Welfare Hub in Whanganui.

The hub involves the Ministry of Social Development, Housing NZ, Inland Revenue, Te Puni Kokiri, and the Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority.

Clothing was also delivered to the Whanganui East Relief Centre where many community volunteers gave up their time to distribute the donated goods to those in need.

Dissemination of the clothing is being coordinated by the Whanganui Koha Shed.

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