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Executive Branch Manager Libraries, Vanessa Little; ACT and Surrounds Manager of OzHarvest, Dave Burnet; and MLA Joy Burch MLA with a basket of food bound for people in need this Christmas. Photo: Supplied.
ACT libraries are teaming up with OzHarvest this year to take donations of non-perishable foods to those in need over the holiday season.
The new food drive to support the ACT’s most vulnerable members of the community replaces the popular Food for Fines program which ended when the ACT Government abolished library fines last month.
Member for Brindabella Joy Burch launched the food drive and encouraged Canberrans to get involved.
“It has been great to see the community pay their library fines with donations over the years, but when we wiped library fines people told us they still wanted to be able to spread goodwill during the holidays,” Ms Burch said.
“Our libraries are partnering with OzHarvest in a food donation drive to support Canberrans in need both during the festive season and throughout the year. By accepting donations at all ACT Libraries branches, it will make it easier and more accessible for people to help out and give where they can.
“The Canberra community are really generous, particularly during the holidays, and in the past we’ve seen many donations made as simple gestures of giving.”
Sealed tins or packets of non-perishable food items can be taken into any Libraries ACT branches, including the ACT Heritage Library, until 31 January 2020. All food will be donated to OzHarvest Canberra.
Donations must be dropped off during opening hours and cannot be donated through library return chutes. Only non-perishable, sealed foods can be accepted. Damaged, broken or out-of-date food items, perishable food, pet food, and non-food items will not be accepted.
Donations will be accepted until 31 January 2020.
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on The RiotACT.