West Coast Eagles captain and Foodbank ambassador Shannon Hurn helped get the not-for-profit organisation’s annual Bankwest Carry a Can drive off to a flying start this morning.

Hurn joined Foodbank WA volunteers, Bankwest tin shakers and choirs from Brookman Primary School, Forest Crescent Primary School and Rossmoyne Primary School at Bankwest’s CBD headquarters in Raine Square to launch the sixth edition of the event, which collects food and raises funds for the State’s needy ahead of the festive season.

Several fans stopped by to drop off donations before grabbing an autograph or photo with the popular Eagles’ skipper.

Foodbank WA marketing and fundraising officer Karla Cavalli said 2016’s Carry a Can drive was on target to set a new record.

Largely thanks to the support of Bankwest employees, Foodbank WA staff had already collected more than 1600kg of food goods before 10am this morning.

“We were off to a flyer this morning thanks to Bankwest’s staff,” she said.

“This year they donated all their cans across every floor. They also thankfully put volunteers who walked along all of the floors collecting coins as well. It’s just been a tremendous start to the event. By 10am we were already empting bins, which has never happened before.”

Over the past three years Carry a Can day has collected more than $7000 and 3000kg worth of food, which Cavalli said equated to more than 6000 meals.

“It really helps, particularly during the festive season,” she explained.

“It really does help those who simply can’t afford to buy food for their families at this time of year.”