Rotary Cans for a Cause Community Project Plan for Rotary Clubs
Background:
New Zealand is facing a cost-of-living crisis with the number of New Zealanders needing to access food banks dramatically increasing. 14% of New Zealand’s population is considered to be in need of assistance to provide food for their families each week.
Rotary has a long history of supporting community initiatives within New Zealand, our service dates back over 100 years and we are recognised as people of action.
Rotary Clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand are joining together to help fight food poverty in our local communities.
We are aiming to collect 1 million cans or non-perishable food items during June. This will be the largest ever food collection campaign in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The food collected will be distributed to local food banks or equivalent to help feed hungry families.
Objectives:
· To collect 1 million cans or non-perishable food items
· To partner with local food banks, maraes and charities to distribute the food items
· To partner with local schools, retirement villages, community groups and businesses to act as collections sites
· Raise awareness of the pressing need to continuously support food banks across New Zealand
Implementation Plan:
Each Rotary Club takes ownership of their own initiatives to collect and distribute the food in their area. Clubs are encouraged to think creatively to approach local business, supermarkets, service stations, other community organisations and schools to support this important work.
A major part of this campaign is to build awareness of Rotary within our local communities. Having a strong presence (with branding) will help promote giving and could attract prospective members to our organisation. Clubs are encouraged to consider the following PR ideas;
· Rotary branded collection boxes
· Street appeal or face-to-face collection
· Publicising on local Facebook community pages
· Promotion on Rotary websites and social media
· Stories and/or advertising in local newspapers/community radio
This campaign will run from Monday 1th June to Sunday 8th June 2026
Each Club is to register their involvement by Monday 1 June by Google Form. Further reporting on daily contributions via the specific Rotary website will be required to enable us to track our daily contributions towards our target of 1 million cans.
Clubs can also accept cash donations and/or donations via online platforms to support this initiative.
The following promotional material will be available for clubs to support the awareness of this campaign. Clubs may approach local businesses for sponsorship for these items. Posters, flyers and social media assets can be customised with each Club name.
Promotional Materials:
· Posters
· Social media assets
· QR Code for donations
It is recommended that Clubs take good photos for follow-up PR opportunities.
Following the collection, clubs could invite their beneficiary organisations to their meeting to address their members and local supporters to showcase the work that has been done and how it has met the needs of the community.
We are committed to helping Rotary Clubs achieve this goal. Our next update will provide further information.