“Foodbank is a critically important charity and I want to give the organisation some practical support” said Mr Holt. “That is why I am jumping in a truck to drive through the South West collecting donated food along the way.”

 

The truck will be rumbling through many South West towns during the week 2^nd to 6^th August 2010 collecting food and delivering it to regional Foodbanks in Mandurah, Bunbury and Albany.

 

“This is going to be a big undertaking, and I am asking the community of the South West to get behind it by donating food.  It doesn’t matter if you are in Nannup, Manjimup, Donnybrook or Denmark we will be coming through your town” Said Mr Holt.

 

Foodbank WA supports around 600 needy and charitable organisations throughout Western Australia.  It does this by collecting food from participating businesses and redistributing to charitable organisations like Anglicare.  It also runs the Foodbank WA School Breakfast Program providing much needed nutrition to many school children right across metropolitan, rural and remote Western Australia.

 

“Foodbank has been doing it tough recently and through Royalties for Regions and the support of the State Government a $6 million package for Foodbank over the next three years has been secured.”

 

‘That funding will help secure the infrastructure Foodbank needs to continue to grow, but it is through events like the Nationals WA Foodbank Run, that communities become involved and aware of the work Foodbank does in their community,” said Mr Holt.

 

“Any support that you are able to provide will be much appreciated. Special thanks must go to Truckworld Rentals who have provided me with a refrigerated truck for this year. The support of all businesses and growers is truly appreciated.”

 

There are local ‘collection points’ in most South West towns where the community can make a food donation.  Visit www.nationalswa.com to find your nearest drop off point.

For more information please contact Hon Colin Holt MLC on 1800 758 458 or colin.holt@mp.wa.gov.au.