Can for a Cause

 

 
The District Governors in New Zealand have decided to do a National Event around food poverty.
 
Aotearoa is currently facing a severe cost-of-living crisis, with over 20% of the population requiring weekly food assistance. This urgent need is being felt in our own communities, with food banks under significant and growing pressure.
In response, Rotary Clubs across New Zealand are uniting for the first time in a coordinated, nationwide campaign to combat food poverty. Aligned with Rotary International’s Area of Focus: Community Economic Development, the initiative aims to reduce poverty, strengthen local support systems, and empower communities through direct action.
 
This highly visible and inclusive campaign encourages collaboration within Rotary Community Groups and allows Rotarians of all ages to participate. The localised impact of the campaign also enables strong national buy-in as we raise both awareness and community spirit.
Key Objectives:
  • Collect at least one million (about 1 item per person in food Poverty) non-perishable food items across the country.
  • Partner with local food banks, marae, and charities to ensure effective distribution.
  • Engage schools, retirement villages, community groups, and businesses as collection points.
  • Raise awareness of food poverty and Rotary’s active role in addressing it.
  • Promote Rotary and encourage new membership through impactful service.
Scope and Activities:
  • Distribute Rotary-branded collection boxes to businesses and schools.
  • Organise local food drives and community events.
  • Promote the initiative through media channels and community networks.
  • Coordinate logistics for the collection, storage, and delivery of donations.
  • Use the Rotary Oceania website to track donations, log volunteer participation, and record membership interest.

Rotary Launches ‘Cans for a Cause’ to Feed New Zealand Families

New Zealand, June 2025 — As the cost of living continues to bite, thousands of Kiwi families are struggling to put food on the table. In response, the Rotary Combined Districts of New Zealand have launched a nationwide initiative — Cans for a Cause — aiming to collect 1 million cans of food to support local food banks and vulnerable whānau.

From 9th to 16th June, Rotary clubs across the country will be mobilising volunteers, communities, and businesses to donate essential non-perishable food items. The campaign focuses on the most-needed items such as:

  • Canned fish

  • Baked beans and spaghetti

  • Canned vegetables and fruit

  • Soup and diced tomatoes

  • Spreads, rice, pasta, and cereals

“This is not just a food drive — it’s a lifeline,” says [insert Rotary spokesperson name], a Rotary leader involved in the initiative. “We’re calling on New Zealanders to give what they can. Every can donated represents a meal on someone’s table.”

The initiative highlights Rotary’s commitment to fighting food insecurity and strengthening community resilience. In partnership with local charities, the collected food will be distributed to food banks nationwide.

Rotary encourages individuals, schools, workplaces, and retailers to set up collection points and get involved in this vital cause.