Pollies pack Christmas cheer

A NUMBER of local politicians brought a little Christmas cheer to disadvantaged families and individuals recently when they donated their time to pack Christmas hampers at Foodbank’s distribution centre.

Among those to volunteer were Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, Speaker of the House of Assembly Elise Archer, Guy Barnett MP, Vanessa Goodwin MLC, Jacquie Petrusma MP and Mark Shelton MP.

A national not-for-profit organisation, Foodbank rescues surplus food and groceries from food suppliers and redistributes them to organisations that provide emergency food relief.

Every day of the year, the charity supplies food to more than 250 Tasmanian charitable organisations, which is then donated to Tasmanians in need.

It delivers 87 per cent of all emergency food relief in the state, equating to more than 1.2 million meals annually.

Also receiving packaged goods and produce by way of donation from corporate support, Foobank relies heavily on volunteers who play a vital role in its operations.

In 2014/2015, 2,663 volunteers provided 22,000 hours of assistance.

Ms Archer said the work Foodbank did was invaluable in assisting vulnerable Tasmanians.

“I wish to personally thank all the volunteers at Foodbank, as well as those who provide donations,” she said.

“Without these people, this service simply could not operate.”