A BORDER woman’s brilliantly simple idea has generated 5000 cans of food for needy people in 12 months.
Ainsley Stone knew she could spare a can of food from her weekly shopping but felt it was only a drop in the ocean against growing community poverty
She banded together some like-minded friends and family and started a Facebook page, One Can Can.
“Our initial group of 30 ended up to be 40, then 50 and 60,” Ms Stone said.
“I was really pleasantly surprised to think other people wanted to help but didn’t know how to go about it.
“It’s all about the simplicity of it; anyone can throw an extra 65 cent can of food from Aldi into their trolley.”
The 115-member Can Do team donated 5033 items in the 12 months to October 17 to UnitingCare Wodonga.
Agency manager Naomi Jansen said it was a small idea that had grown into a large success.
“It led to 5000 things we didn’t have before,” she said.
Ms Stone said the team hoped to double its membership in the next 12 months.
“We’d like to grow the group to 200 and get local businesses involved throughout the year,” she said.
“If we could double membership, 10,000 cans a year would be our target.”
Ms Stone hoped businesses and schools might get on board in the lead-up to Christmas.
“There’s nine weeks to Christmas and we’d love it if we could donate 1000 items,” she said.
“Each one of us can do something – one can of food can have a big impact.
“My kids have been really excited to get involved as well; it’s about teaching them that the world is a bigger place.”
Ms Stone said the Border was blessed with emergency food relief services.
“Each one of us is part of the community and no one ever knows when we might need support from those fabulous services.”
For updates or to join visit the Facebook page.
