South West students show they give a damn by donating cans

Students in the greater Bunbury area are raiding their pantries to help provide food for those in need. Rotary Club of Bunbury-Leschenault has launched its annual Give a Damn, Give a Can campaign and 23 schools from Australind to Gelorup have stepped up to show they care by donating. The campaign encourages school students to help those in vulnerable situations by donating non-perishable goods that will be collected to create food packs, Christmas hampers and supplies for day-to-day living. Rotary member Paco Tovar said the campaign was much needed in the community, especially given the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in Bunbury. “Schools are our most important channel for donations, which are currently down about 40 per cent on last year,” he said. Year 6 students Eloise Ward and Ruby Skane said it was an important cause for their classmates to donate to. “It’s only one can to us, but one can can give someone a whole meal,” Eloise said. “They’re easy enough for us to get and they’ll help people in need,” Ruby said. Donations will be given to the InTown Centre, Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul to be distributed to those doing it tough. Students can donate until the end of term.