Editorial: Thank you for giving so much

People were incredibly generous in the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas appeal.

Every year I am amazed by just how generous the Tauranga community is. Few people turn down a request to help those who find themselves in a tight spot.

This year was no different.

Community groups, businesses and families pulled out all the stops to raise more than $107,500 as part of the 2014 Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

As the campaign got under way, I could barely keep up with all the groups, big and small, pledging their support for the organisation. Everyone did what they could.

Large companies made generous one-off donations while smaller companies banded together to take up inter-office collections. Some even chose to forgo their annual Secret Santa and donate to the appeal instead.

It was the can drives that really gave me a sense of the generosity of the community.

One young family came to the door with an armful of food and, to my surprise, quickly ducked back in to gather another armful.

A mother took her children to the pantry to select some food and sent the excited youngsters running back and forward with donations.

It's heartening to see the next generation being taught the importance of giving and being encouraged to do so.

Tucked away at my desk for much of the campaign, I often failed to realise the magnitude of what was going on. It took the regular updates from foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin to make it all sink in. As the appeal was nearing the end, I was often caught announcing the current total in a state of shock and awe.

It has been my privilege to co-ordinate the campaign and work alongside the foodbank volunteers for the past two years. It has given me a better understanding and a deep appreciation of what they do and how important it is.

They work hard to make sure they are a hand up, not a hand out and that only those truly in need are helped.

Thank you to every person who made a donation.