Over 41,000 cans to help Kiwis in need this Christmas

Movie goers throughout the country donated a total of 20,941 cans to The Salvation Army this year as part of the Twentieth Annual Wattie’s Cans Film Festival.

Close to 21,000 people flocked to participating cinemas nationwide on Wednesday November 13, swapping a can for a movie ticket. Wattie’s then generously matched this donation with cans of its own, making a total of 41,882 cans. All cans go towards helping The Salvation Army stock up its food banks to assist New Zealanders in need over the busy Christmas period.

“We are thrilled with the support we have received from New Zealanders this year,” says Shane Chisholm, Territorial Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.“Christmas is a difficult time for a lot of people in our communities. The support from The Wattie’s Cans Film Festival enables us to continue providing our services where they are needed.”The Salvation Army helped 17,000 families in December last year alone. They predict that a similar number of families will require help in December 2013.

“We want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Wattie’s Cans Film Festival and donated generously to our food banks,” says Mr Chisholm. “This is the 20th anniversary of the Festival and we are grateful for the continued support Wattie’s provides us year after year.”

Movie fans were treated to family blockbuster movies at over 40 locations across the country. Thank you to Reading Cinemas, EVENT Cinemas, Hoyts Cinemas, and independent cinemas nationwide who donated use of their theatres to the Festival.