OCTACAN 2025

The Octagon was full of life on Thursday, 19 June. The Dunedin community came together for Octacan 2025, our annual winter foodbank appeal. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, we collected 18,000 cans and food items to help support those in need throughout the colder months.

This year’s Octacan coincided with the lead-up to Matariki — a time for reflection, renewal and community spirit – and it was great to see the cans shaped as Matariki stars again in the Octagon.

Every can donated makes a real difference. From January this year, approximately 2,000 emergency food parcels have been distributed – representing about 84,000 individual items of food. That number continues to rise each year, reflecting the increasing demand for support across our region.

Octacan is about more than food – it’s about connection, care and community. As donations poured in from businesses, schools, churches and individuals, the Octagon was filled with song, colour, kindness and community spirit.

If you missed Octacan, you can still help. Donations can be dropped directly to the PSO Foodbank at 407 Moray Place, Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm, or you can donate online and let the team purchase the items most urgently needed.

Thank you to everyone who gave so generously. Your support means local whānau won’t have to go without this winter.

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