DCM Bulletin - Thanks, Wellington

Wellington really is a generous community. The Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) foodbank has gone from having bare cupboards to stocked shelves thanks to a wide range of donations.

In April, we asked for donations for our foodbank. We were down to the last few cans of food, and were even out of basics like toilet paper.

The past three years have shown a consistent increase in food parcels provided by DCM. In 2009, we provided 2366 parcels. This increased to 2978 in 2010, and if the current numbers continue for 2011, we estimate providing 3460 parcels.

DCM has found that August is consistently the month of greatest need. In mid-winter, this is triggered by increased costs such as higher power bills. So, DCM anticipates foodbank demand to escalate.

“The concern for us is the sustainability of these increasing numbers. DCM staff are working on constructive ways to support the foodbank,” says Stephanie McIntyre, director of DCM.

Our thanks goes out to Westpac in Cuba Street. As well as collecting for our foodbank, they also had a poster display set up in the branch. We’ve received donations through the Give A Little website, and are appreciative of the support from Wellingtonista. The media have picked up our cause and we’d also like to thank all the individual donors who have donated money or food.

Tonight, The Free Store and BlueprintChurchare holding a movie fundraiser at Zeal for the DCM foodbank. The entry fee is three cans of food for the foodbank. The event starts at 7pm, with the movie at 8pm. There will also be some live music and giveaways!

If you’d like to find out more about DCM, volunteer for our Bookfair, or the up-coming Food Day Appeal on June 11, give us a call on 04 384 7699.

© Scoop Media