Christmas Appeal: Caravan full with donations

Tauranga Community Foodbank chairman Alan Plunkett and Christmas in the Park organiser Rachelle Duffy with food donated from the weekend's event. Photo / John Borren

An entire caravan of food has been donated to Tauranga Community Foodbank and Good Neighbour thanks to the people at Saturday's Christmas in the Park.

Organiser Rachelle Duffy said most people that attended, whether event goers, stall holders, security or the artists, brought something to donate.

The caravan was so full of donations of food it was hard to tow, she said.

Half the food was donated to Tauranga Community Foodbank, with Good Neighbour receiving the other half.

Mrs Duffy said a good selection of food had been donated.

Along with the usual tinned food items, there was a good selection of items like crackers, biscuits, chocolates, pet food, baby food and nappies.

Mrs Duffy estimated the donations had tripled from last year, although that was partially due to the rain that affected last year's attendance.

"I also think it takes people a couple of years to cotton on.

"People are actually forward thinking about what they can get prior to the event. It means they won't just be getting spaghetti and baked beans."

Mrs Duffy said the two charities reached a large number of people between them.

The event also collected Christmas presents which were donated to Tauranga Women's Refuge, Shakti Women's Refuge and Homes of Hope.

- The Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal has so far raised $93,812 for Tauranga Community Foodbank in cash and food items. The Bay of Plenty Times will be holding its last can drive of the year tomorrow in Papamoa around Doncaster Dr from 6pm.