Mercy mission to Kaiapoi

September 11 2010

This morning Rodger Withell headed north with a truck and trailer unit packed to the roof with a huge assortment of food and household goods, sent north with the love and support of people around the Ashburton District.

Nearly 200 boxes packed full of goods were donated during the week after Mr Withell decided to mount a one-man campaign to bring a little cheer into earthquake victims' lives.

What started out as a trip north to deliver a few boxes of lettuces from his hydroponic farm, overnight became a massive food drive.

When news of Mr Withell's plans became public knowledge he was overwhelmed by the community outpouring.

The offices of the Guardian and Classic Hits rapidly became mini supermarkets, with donated baking, canned and dried food, fresh produce arriving in a constant stream.

Yesterday, Mr Withell and friends Jan and Dave Stewart spent the day repacking bags of groceries into cartons and finally loading up, leaving just enough room to pick up another large community donation from Rakaia.

Pictured: Rodger Withell loads up. - Photo Carmen Rooney