Bank staff forfeit 'secret Santa' pressies to help needy over Christmas

Westpac Tauranga manager Julia Third and consultant Andrew Ogilvie have taken part in the company's drive to support the foodbank.

Westpac Tauranga staff gave up their annual secret Santa in favour of giving to the 2014 Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

"Instead of giving secret Santa presents we got everyone to donate to the foodbank," manager Julia Third said.

Each staff member donated $10 to the appeal in lieu of presents and the bank matched the amount raised bringing the total collected for the foodbank to $450.

"We also did some fundraising selling out old furniture so that was another $120 to go towards it," she said.

Ms Third said members of the public had also been dropping off donations which would be gathered up and delivered to the foodbank.

"It's just a thank you to the Tauranga community for all the donations. We've had thousands of items delivered," she said.

"I think it's been a really good year."

Staff from Classic Builders and CBC Construction have also joined together to help collect food for the appeal.

National marketing manager Vivette Tjaberings said they were inspired by the collection arranged by staff at the ANZ Building in Elizabeth St so staff willingly brought food items to work as a contribution to those needing extra food on the table this Christmas.