Christmas Appeal: Volunteering a rewarding task (+video)

The smiles on the faces of grateful Tauranga Community Foodbank clients is reward enough for the Lewins.

As Christians, Marion and Roy Lewin believe in helping others as much as they can. It was this that first attracted them to volunteering their time at the Tauranga Community Foodbank, which is seeking donations of food and money for the annual Christmas Appeal.

Read more here: Company helps foodbank get running

Mr Lewin has been volunteering at the foodbank every Tuesday for about 10 years. Mrs Lewin used to volunteer every fortnight, but two years ago began coming in every week with her husband.

Both found the work rewarding and fulfilling.

"Sometimes when you bring parcels out, some of the people are just so appreciative of having some food to eat," Mrs Lewin said. "It just thrills you when you see the happiness on their face, that they have been helped."

The idea to volunteer at the foodbank came from a church friend who used to do the same.

"It was just something we thought we could do. Something to do with our retirement."

The kind of work the Lewins do varies, but it often involves dividing food into smaller packages for foodbank clients.

On a typical day, Mr Lewin said he would break up margarine and milk powder, bag up tea bags, restock the shelves and sweep the floors.

When asked what he enjoyed most about volunteering, Mr Lewin replied: "being able to do something to help those less fortunate".

"It's quite enjoyable volunteering at the foodbank, the people are great to work with."