kmfm Breakfast Show hosts Rob Wills and Chelsea Little have announced a record of over 9.21 tonnes collected in the station’s Tonnes of Tins 2024 campaign .
The tins, dried food, and essential supplies collected, will help to replenish stocks at 16 food banks across Kent.
Over the past five weeks, donations have been received at the kmfm studios, 13 drop-off locations across Kent, and through online contributions via a JustGiving page. When the page closed last Friday, the total donations amounted to £7,348.
The station says that one of the main reasons this year beat last year’s 6.77 tonnes and £5018, is down to local businesses across the county, who sponsored the campaign and served as drop-off points, making it easier for listeners to donate.
John Finnigan, Director at Margate Independent Foodbank said: “I would say that the number of people needing help has doubled. The community is suffering. This donation is going to make a big difference, and all I can do is say thank you.”
Sam Horak from Discount Tile and Bathroom Warehouse Gravesend, one of the drop-off points and sponsors, said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated tins. As a community, we’ve come together to help those in need during these uncertain times.”
Mike Harman from Bargain Warehouse Folkestone added: “We understand the struggle, and this is about giving back to the community. It’s been quite an eye-opener to see how much people have donated. This will make a massive difference.”
Rob Wills, Head of Broadcast at kmfm commented: “We truly didn’t expect to beat last year’s total. When we reviewed last year’s receipts, we found that most of the food we bought this year had increased in price by around 12%.
“Combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis, our goal was simply to collect and distribute as much as possible. To reveal this total today is absolutely jaw-dropping.
“I want to thank everyone who donated, shared, delivered, and spread the word about this campaign. A special thanks to our partners across Kent—without them, this would not have been possible. We look forward to Tonnes of Tins 2025.”