A cacophony of sirens from Dunedin\u2019s emergency services later this week should pose no cause for concern \u2014 it is all for a good cause.<\/p>\n
The sirens are a request for donations for the city\u2019s annual Christmas can and food drive, held on Thursday evening and follows a similar drive in the wider Mosgiel area last night.<\/p>\n
Dunedin Central Station Senior Firefighter and event organiser Aimee Taylor had organised the event for about 10 years \u2014 it was a “big operation” which ran like clockwork.<\/p>\n
Donations ensured food banks had supplies for families in need over Christmas.<\/p>\n
About 70 vehicles and about 200 volunteers would be collecting donations around Dunedin city, wider suburbs and East and West Harbour.<\/p>\n
New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union members would join the drive, as would police, ambulance and civil defence personnel.<\/p>\n
Local scout or youth groups were longtime volunteers for the drive; it was a good chance for them to be involved in their community.<\/p>\n
Donations should be canned or dry packaged food, not fresh food or cash.<\/p>\n
SFF Taylor said residents should not be alarmed at the number of sirens.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s OK if [you] don\u2019t have anything to donate, just stand outside and give our collectors a wave because they love that as well.”<\/p>\n
Any late donations could be given to Presbyterian Support Services, the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul, SFF Taylor said.<\/p>\n
The food drive will run from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. Donations can be left in visible spots for collection, such as near letterboxes or by fences.<\/p>\n