Can-do attitude boosts foodbank before Christmas

Angela Freeman (left), and Nicola Dowdall (right) from the Bay of Plenty Times collect cans from Greerton resident Pauline Fryer. Photo / Andrew Warner

The Bay of Plenty Times' Christmas Appeal got a huge boost last night thanks to the generosity of the Greerton community.

More than 20 Bay of Plenty Times staff and foodbank volunteers hit the streets to knock on doors around Greerton Rd, Mansels Rd, Chadwick Rd, Sherson St and Hynds Rd collecting donations of food for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Residents opened their pantries and gave generously when volunteers came calling in the first of three street collections.

Chief reporter Anita Moran said it was good to see so many people donating to the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

"So many people were already waiting for us with food at their door," she said.

"There was also a wide cross-section of the community who donated food. It was great to see."

Miss Moran said the other volunteers collecting food also had a good time.

"It's great getting out and talking to people in the community and doing something positive. Everyone is looking forward to the next can drive."

Foodbank chairman Alan Plunkett estimated more than 300 items were collected.

Since the appeal was launched less than two weeks ago more than $4400 has been raised. Not including last night's collection more than 500 items of food have been donated to the appeal, with each item valued at $2. Cash donations of $3392.05 have been dropped off to the foodbank and transferred into the appeal bank account.

Can drives will also be held on December 2 in Bellevue and December 8 in Tauranga South.