A food drive for those affected by the prolonged snowstorm generated an incredible response this week - heartwarming for the recipients as well as those co-ordinating the efforts.
In the areas of Central Otago worst affected by the severe snowstorm, the Ida Valley and Maniototo, sustenance for snow-raking volunteers was one of the main priorities, as well as replenishing supplies for those snowbound or isolated by the storm.
Project Maniototo, in conjunction with Ranfurly-based community radio station Burn 729 and Rural Women NZ, co-ordinated a food drive which began on Monday. A similar exercise was carried out in Becks and St Bathans on Tuesday, spearheaded by farmers Janet Smith and Paulette Duncan, of Becks.
''I can't believe how much food came in and kept rolling in - soups, lasagnes, casseroles, baking, bacon and egg pies, donated by probably more than 100 people,'' Project Maniototo co-ordinator Amie Pont said. One of the aims was to feed volunteers helping with snow-raking on farms in Danseys Pass, Hyde, the Pigroot, Oturehua and Naseby.
''That's hard physical work and they'd been doing it for a long time so we wanted to make sure stations had their food supplies replenished to help feed the volunteers,'' Mrs Pont said.
The response to the food drive was incredible and ''typical Maniototo''. Mrs Smith said she raised the idea of a food drive in the valley and ''like-minded'' people were happy to offer their support. About 10 women met at Becks Hall on Tuesday to package and distribute the home-cooked goods.
''The response was incredible, in such a short space of time. I guess it's a country thing - it's just an amazing community here.''
The group prepared big packs for the stations in the Becks-St Bathans end of the Ida Valley, who were catering for extra staff - snow-raking volunteers. There was enough food to make up smaller parcels for others in the area who had been isolated, or those who had stayed close to home in the rough weather, older residents and families with new babies.
''The reaction from those who got the food was overwhelming - they were so emotional on receiving it,'' Mrs Smith said. Mrs Pont said there was a similar reaction to the food packages delivered in the rest of the district.
''The people were blown away by it and some were quite emotional. It gave them a much-needed boost. As well as offering practical support, it made them realise we all cared and were thinking about them,'' Mrs Pont said.
