Instead of bringing birthday gifts, Mrs Whipp asked the 70-plus family members and friends who joined in the celebration to bring food and grocery items for the Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works foodbank.
‘‘At this stage of life, I really don’t need more things, so this seemed liked a good compromise,’’ Mrs Whipp said.
Mrs Whipp and her husband Barry, parents of three and grandparents of six — all of whom were at the party, were delighted with the enthusiastic response to the idea.
‘‘Everyone thought it was a great idea and, as you can see, we gathered enough to fill a shopping trolley, which is just wonderful,’’ she said.
‘‘And we had a fantastic night, with lots of dancing and fun, and an excellent supper.’’
The PSO Family Works foodbank is close to Mrs Whipp’s heart — she is a regular volunteer at the Octacan collection day and previously was a volunteer visitor for people in rest-homes. A music-lover, she is also an enthusiastic member of the Dunedin 60+ Club Entertainers group.
‘‘I like to keep busy and have fun,’’ she said.
PSO Family Works foodbank co-ordinator Marilyn Donaldson was very pleased to receive the donation and praised Mrs Whipp for her clever idea.
‘‘What a fun way to celebrate your birthday, and this generous donation couldn’t have come at a better time,’’ Mrs Donaldson said.
‘‘Things are a bit grim for the foodbank at the moment, donations are down as people are really feeling the pinch.
‘‘And at the same time demand is really going up — we are doing between 90 and 120 food parcels every week,’’ she said.
■Dunedin people will have the chance to contribute to the city’s major foodbanks when the city-wide Emergency Services Christmas Can Appeal is held on December 12.
