Four deserving local charities are in line for a bit of extra cash for the coffers, thanks to Ōamaru Z service station's Good in the Hood.

The Milk Room North Otago, Hato Hone St John, North Otago Youth Support and Ōamaru House Trust will receive a share of $4000, which is determined by public vote.

Z site leader Cilla McLennan said they have “really good” smaller local charities this year. 

She described the promotion as a “win-win” because it was all about locals helping out locals.

“It’s $4000, and they get a share of that, depending on votes. But, you know, we always try and keep it pretty bloody even because they’re all just as important as the next one.”

When people shop at Z they get an orange token to post in one of the charity’s boxes. The money is divided up according to the amount of votes each charity receives.

the first charity, Oamaru House, provides accommodation for families of people receiving treatment at Dunedin Hospital.

“I sent them an email and asked them to apply, because of what they do . . . they're just so caring in there. My dad was really sick and my mum stayed there for quite a while,” she said.

The North Otago Youth Support provides a safe space for Ōamaru’s young people, and the funds raised for Hato Hone St John are also going towards youth - providing leadership and life skills.  

“St John's they do amazing things,” Cilla said.

The Milk Room North Otago is a volunteer-run organisation, based in the Ōamaru Plunket Rooms, to support local parents with breastfeeding. 

Free breastfeeding assistance for families at the fortnightly Tuesday-morning drop-in sessions, and can also provide support in the home or via online or text messaging.

Founder and manager Lydia Quested said the money raised from Good in the Hood will be used to buy a new breast pump which is hired out to families at low cost. 

“We would also like to purchase some supplies which can be given to parents such as cooling gel pads and other consumables, and we always like to have enough funds to offer financial relief to families who might need it to access specialist services out of town.”

The Milk Room is supported by WellSouth, in Dunedin. WellSouth funds the training and ongoing mentoring of breastfeeding peer supporters across Otago and Southland through their Breastfeeding Peer Supporter programme.

Anyone who wishes to support breastfeeding in their community, family, or church group, or even new parents who wish to learn more about breastfeeding are being offered peer supporter training in Oamaru, starting on October 13, and running for eight weeks.

Those interested in finding out more about the training can visit the Milk Room North Otago Facebook page.

The Good in the Hood fundraising at Z Oamaru is on now and runs until October 23.