MG dealers across the state will be accepting cash donations and non-perishable food items, with all donations to directly benefit their local communities. Image: PAFC.

PORT ADELAIDE Football Club major partner MG Motor is helping power a food drive for families in need ahead of Saturday’s game against Geelong.

Those attending the game at Adelaide Oval are being encouraged to bring food to contribute or to donate funds to help end hunger this winter.

Volunteers from the club’s long-standing charity partner Foodbank SA will be on hand to accept donations of non-perishable foods or financial donations with tap and pay available.

More than 135,000 South Australians rely on food relief from Foodbank each month. One third are children.

The organisation works with 586 agencies and 550 school programs to help support those most in need.

02:35

Port Adelaide and MG team up with Foodbank to fight against hunger | PTV

Port Adelaide and major partner MG Motor are teaming up with Foodbank to help ensure those in need don't go hungry this winter.

To kick off this week’s drive, the seven MG dealers across the state – including in Port Augusta and Mount Gambier – have made a $10,000 donation, and they will also be accepting cash donations and non-perishable food items, with all donations to directly benefit their local communities.

Port Adelaide chief executive officer Matthew Richardson encouraged all Port Adelaide people to dig deep, and praised the MG dealers for their significant contribution.

“Foodbank has been a long-term partner of our club and does so much to help families in need across our state,” Mr Richardson said. “Having MG Motor and its local dealers coming on board to accept donations and making a financial donation themselves is a brilliant example of the Port Adelaide community coming together.

“So, to all of our members and supporters who are coming to the game on Saturday, we encourage you to raid the pantry and grab anything you can spare, find the Foodbank bins at the gates around Adelaide Oval and donate what you can.”

The most sought-after foods for donation include canned vegetables and fruit, cereals, tinned meals, long-life milk, pasta sauce, spreads, rice and tuna.

And, a $2 donation is enough to put four meals on the table of those in need.

Foodbank CEO Greg Pattinson thanked the club’s members and the MG dealers for their generosity at a time when need has increased.

Port Adelaide major partner MG Motor has made a $10,000 donation to kick off the drive. Image: PAFC.

“Unfortunately, recently we’re seeing an increase in demand as people are being impacted by the high cost of living, increased cost of fuel and increased cost of food,” Mr Pattinson said.

“The Port Adelaide Football Club has supported Foodbank for many many years and we’re proud of the relationship that we have and the support we’ve been getting. The Port Adelaide players, members and the community love Foodbank. We know they get us, they know what we do and they’ve always supported us.

“We’re hopeful of raising about $20,000 through the game this weekend but of course, every dollar we raise puts about two meals on the table for people who are struggling in South Australia.

“We’re really thankful to the MG dealerships in South Australia – and in particular Sally, Darrell, Peter and Mike who have kicked off this appeal with $10,000. That will put about 20,000 meals on the table for people in need across the state.”

MG dealerships where you can donate food items or funds across South Australia:

Hamilton MG – Morphett Vale

157 Main South Road, Morphett Vale, SA 5162

Hamilton MG – Somerton Park

272-288 Brighton Road, Somerton Park, SA 5044

Mt Gambier MG

116-138 Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier, SA 5290

Newspot MG – Adelaide

61-69 West Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000

Newspot MG – Salisbury Park

1928 Main North Road, Salisbury Park, SA 5109

Newspot MG Main – Hampstead Gardens

247 North East Road, Hampstead Gardens, SA 5086

Port Augusta MG

4 National Highway 1, Port Augusta, SA 5700