‘Fabulous’ day of collection

Presbyterian Support Otago volunteer Philippa Schaefer places cans during the Octacan annual foodbank appeal in the Octagon.

Practice manager Deb Gelling said the day collecting food resources for the Family Works foodbank had been "fabulous", with schools, community groups and individuals contributing to the collection.

The foodbank received 18,689 items of food, and $12,283 in cash and supermarket vouchers.

Supporter engagement manager Jude McCracken said there was still time to donate food to help it reach a target of 20,000 cans.

The cost of living was causing hardship for many families and Presbyterian Support Otago had seen a 25% increase in demand for its services in the first four months of this year, compared with the same period last year.