For the first time, Pleasant Point will have its own Toot for Tucker, collecting non-perishable items to be donated to the Family Works foodbank.
Hato Hone St John ambulance volunteers Murray Dryden and Zoe Lindsay have taken the wheel, bringing on board support from the Pleasant Point Lions Club and the Pleasant Point Volunteer Fire Brigade.
"For the last few years, we’ve taken our ambulance over to Temuka and helped them with their Toot for Tucker, which the fire brigade organised," Mr Dryden said.
"Temuka’s not doing it this year, so ... we thought this is an opportunity to do one in our local community.
"It’s a good opportunity to bring Lions, [Fire and Emergency New Zealand] and St John together, and make a lot of noise and have a bit of fun.
"I think there’s a need for it.
"There are people struggling out there at the moment.
"Through contacting a couple of the foodbanks, we are aware that people from Pleasant Point are going in to Timaru to access support."
The pair chose Presbyterian Support South Canterbury’s Family Works as the beneficiary of Tuesday’s event because of its work in the community.
Miss Lindsay said Pleasant Point Chief Fire Officer Liz Harding was keen.
When the pair mentioned their idea to the local Lions club, they were "all over it".
They were hoping police would also be able to get involved.
Mr Dryden said he had delivered posters around local businesses and received positive feedback — many people said it was awesome someone was finally doing a Toot for Tucker in Pleasant Point.
Residents can leave their donations of non-perishable items for human and pet consumption, as well as other non-perishable items such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and sanitary products, at their gates, and await the sound of sirens and horns as volunteers canvas the streets from 6pm.
"With a township of 1200, we’re pretty sure we can cover it all," he said.
Rural people, or anyone who missed the event, can drop off donations to Pleasant Point’s On the Spot dairy.
All donations will be sorted at the fire station before being delivered to Family Works in Timaru the following day.
Miss Lindsay said the event had multiple benefits — as well as gathering much-needed supplies for foodbanks as they headed into one of their busiest times, it was also a good chance for children to get involved with the process, and to meet emergency service personnel.
