Christmas Appeal: Slice of income goes to charity

Real estate agent Cameron Staple is donating a portion of his commission of every house sale to the Foodbank, he sits with his wife Paula Staple and their children Pippa and Kobi.

Hungry children in Tauranga ignited the Christmas spirit in a local real estate agent, who has decided to donate a portion of his commission from every house he sells to two charities, including the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Cameron Staple, who has just started out as a real estate agent for First National, will give his clients the choice of the Foodbank or the Waipuna Hospice, and will donate $500 from his pay to the charity they choose.

He said he saw the need to give a piece of his pay after realising children in Tauranga were going without food.

"My mother-in-law is a teacher in a local primary and highlighted to us that in most schools that she has worked in there were several children that were frequently coming to school without anything to eat for the day.

"I was genuinely concerned by this, and having two young children of my own I felt that our family could do more," Mr Staple said.

He said he appreciated that every dollar could make a difference, after talking to the Tauranga Community Foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin.

The $500 of each sale was chosen by Mr Staple as he wanted to "highlight the growing issues we have in our region".

"People are surprised by the amount offered, however I feel this amount could make a real difference to the Tauranga Foodbank or Waipuna Hospice," he said.

Paula Staple, Mr Staple's wife, said they were regular contributors to the Foodbank and it was a way of continuing their donations.

"It's to help those who may not be able to put anything on a plate at Christmas, I wouldn't like to imagine what that's like" Ms Staple said.

However, they are wanting to continue the drive well past Christmas.

"At this stage there is no end date," Ms Staple said.

Mr Staple is hoping others will join the holiday cheer and donate as well.