A Strathalbyn businessman is stepping into Saint Nick’s shoes this year by holding a Foodbank drive for the community’s most vulnerable in the lead-up to Christmas.
Foodbank is Australia’s largest food relief organisation, providing food and groceries to charities and school breakfast programs in every state and territory.
Collectable Classic Cars and Bikes Managing Director Ben Finnis is looking to load up half a mini with non-perishable goodies, while also raising money from generous donations and $50 from every car sale this month for the charity after hearing its call-out on the radio.
“I heard Foodbank on the radio were down on donations for this year’s Christmas appeal, and that’s when I decided we’ve got an opportunity to bring awareness to the food drive as we call it,” he said.
“The whole idea was to fill the mini up full of food, but also what we’re doing is every car we are selling in the month of December, we’re donating $50 per car… that will put 100 meals on South Australians’ tables over Christmas time.
“I just think it’s Christmas time, and we’re fortunate enough to have a lovely Christmas, and there’s a lot of people who aren’t... If I can do a small thing by putting some food on someone’s table that needs it, then bring it on.”
In less than two weeks, Mr Finnis has already received bundles of donations from local businesses and clients across South Australia, and raised about $500 from both car sales and other contributions.
He’s still looking for donations of canned meals, soup, vegetables or fruit, long life milk, tea and coffee, pasta, rice, baked beans, oats and cereals, flour, spreads and jams, nappies, and dental and washing products that are sealed and not past the expiry date by December 21.
All donations will be dropped off to Foodbank the following day.
Mr Finnis encouraged community members to give what they can.
“You speak to a lot of people, and you don’t actually realise how far Foodbank reaches in South Australia; it’s a fantastic charity,” he said.
“I think it’s the least we can do for people who are not as well-off as we are.
“Especially over Christmas time, there’s a lot of people that need a meal on their table, and I think everyone should get behind it and donate what they can.
“We’ve had some fantastic people come in here and donate one can or 10 – it doesn’t matter because it’s going to someone who needs it more than we do.”
People can drop-off any donations to the Rankine Street garage before the cut-off date.
Mr Finnis was keen to hold the drive again next year.
