Hundreds turn up for free roasts

3:47 pm on 13 August 2011

Hundreds of earthquake-stricken residents in Christchurch's eastern suburbs converged on a police station on Friday where 600 roast meal packs were handed out.

The giveaway at the New Brighton station was organised by the Farmy Army and made use of meat left over from its initial quake response and vegetables donated by Canterbury growers.

The Farmy Army's catering coordinator, Helen Heddell, says life is still tough for people in eastern Christchurch and it is important to support them in a practical way.

Ms Heddell says she was overwhelmed by the number of people who turned up.

Meals were delivered to those in need who could not make it to the station.

Many of the 60 volunteers also donated home-made biscuits and cakes.