Arohanui volunteers happy to give back

Arohanui Trust Volunteers (from left) Damon Tu-Mikaere, Johnathon Allan, Nicola Porter, Michael Overton, Matt Gaskin, Alan Plunkett and Jason Gilbert help out at the Tauranga Community Foodbank once a week. Photo / Supplied

The Tauranga Community Foodbank has "a real purpose" in the community and it is a charity Arohanui Art and Education Trust is happy to support.

The trust encourages members of the community with disabilities to get involved with charitable organisations and volunteering for Tauranga Community Foodbank is one of the many activities its members take part in.

General manager Peter Gibson said volunteering at a local organisation was one way for members to be a part of the community.

"It's become a co-dependence. By volunteering, the people we support with disabilities, it shows they have value to add.

"The foodbank is something we believe has a real purpose in the community as well as for the people involved. We want to support any charities or organisations that help the community because we are community based as well."

Mr Gibson said supporting the foodbank at this time of year was important.

"Often at this time of year, people get self-centred and everything becomes about themselves. It's important to make sure those people that aren't as fortunate aren't alone."

Four members from Arohanui's three centres in Tauranga, Greerton and Te Puke volunteer at the foodbank on a Monday, accompanied by a support staff member.

Nicki Goodwin, the foodbank's manager, said the volunteers helped break down bulk food into smaller amounts to use in food parcels.

"They work hard and are a total pleasure to have volunteering with us."