After collecting more than 600 cans for Presbyterian Support Otago’s Kai for Octacan foodbank appeal last year, King’s High School year 13 pupil Declan Viljoen, 17, is planning on outdoing himself this year by setting a goal of 1000 cans.
It all began in 2020 when Declan was in year 9 and he forgot to collect any cans for the cause until the night before.
After a last-minute run around his neighbourhood with a shopping bag Declan surprised himself by breaking the King’s collection record with 21 cans.
"I definitely want to just set the record and let it sit there for a bit and hopefully somebody will beat me in the next couple of years."
People also had the option to give him cash to buy cans with.
The cans would be distributed to families in need by Presbyterian Support Otago.
The collection was a nice chance for him to give back to the community and show pride in his school, Declan said.
"Being compassionate and giving to others is a big part of King’s and it’s just my little way of showing that I’m proud of my school and proud to help them out."
The support from the community had been amazing, some people leaving $50 notes in his mailbox for the cause, he said.
He had noticed not much tinned food other than beans and tomatoes was available for $1 at the supermarket any more and was hopeful "the big guys" would jump on board in help him buy a variety of canned food for $1.
- Contact Delia (Mum) for further details 021 887 924
