Seeing a need, and quietly going about addressing it, has seen members of the five main lodges in Mid Canterbury gather items for Ashburton foodbanks.
Items have gone to foodbanks operated by St Vincent De Paul and the Salvation Army.
Masonic Lodge District charity officer Roger Paterson said they thought the middle of the year was a good time to ask members to give items.
About $1000 worth of food, toiletries and other household items had been given by individual members and the lodges filling boxes of supplies destined for the foodbanks.
Lodge members thought with increased costs many people faced during winter, more people might be turning to the foodbanks for assistance. It meant help was needed to fill foodbank shelves.
‘‘We are aware that the supplies that come in through the likes of ‘toot for tucker’ would be dwindling by this time of the year,’’ Roger said.
With rising living costs for people with the likes of heating there is an increase in the request made to foodbanks and donations like this go to ease the pressure on people and the foodbanks.
Lodges across the district undertake many charitable acts throughout the year, supporting those in need in the community.
