A Canny Initiative Raises Over 7,500 Cans for Food Banks …

Dunedin, 02 September 2011 – The Dunedin Public Libraries latest initiative, the Food for Fines Amnesty, has been a huge success, with more than 7,500 cans donated to Dunedin’s food banks.

During August, Library customers were invited to pay off outstanding Library fines in exchange for cans of food. This campaign generated an impressive supply of canned food, delighted Dunedin food banks, and has been a win-win situation for Library and food bank customers alike.

This canny idea has seen many people engage with the Library and start borrowing again. While many current customers also took this opportunity to pay off fines, many also chose to give extra cans, and others gifted food, even though they had no debt.

Head of DPL Marketing Services, Liz Knowles, says “It has been wonderful to see such a charitable Dunedin spirit shine throughout the month, and we have no doubt the Food for Fines project has significantly helped those in need this winter.”

Lisa Robinson, from Roteract, also played a key role in this campaign, gathering together volunteers to transport the goods to the food banks in the city area.

“It has been really great to see such a positive response from the community and so many willing to support such a vital organisation that helps those really in need in our community,” she says.

… and another great Library initiative begins

Starting on Monday 6 September, the Library is replacing the email reminder for overdue Library items with a pre-alert system that will give advance notice of library items due back to those with email contact details.

Those customers who do not have their email address on file with the Library, and would like to take advantage of this new service, can contact the Library at library@dcc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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