Fantastic response to Tauranga foodbank appeal

Samantha Cooke and Kendall Arthur, both aged 6 from Pillans Point School, collected more than 100 food items for the Tauranga Community Foodbank as part of the SOS appeal. Photo / John Borren

More than $21,500 worth of donations has been made to the Tauranga Community Foodbank in just three weeks.

The Bay of Plenty Times' Foodbank SOS appeal, which finishes today, was launched on May 14 to help the foodbank fill its shelves in the lead-up to winter.

The response from and support of the Tauranga community has been extraordinary.

Before the appeal, shelves were almost bare at the foodbank amid climbing costs.

This year, for the first time, the organisation has to pay $42,000 rent, and the amount of money it spends on non-donated food is also up.

Over the past three weeks, 6414 food items (valued at $2 each) and $8754.40 cash has been donated.

That is a total contribution worth $21,582.40.

"The shelves are now ready for the demand that winter brings," Sharon Hitchcock, chairwoman of the foodbank board, said yesterday.

"We really appreciate the community support we have received in response to our SOS."

Hitchcock said the cash and food donations would go to needy families referred to the foodbank through one if its 78 partner agencies.

She said foodbank clients were allowed only three emergency food parcels a year unless they were working with a budget financial adviser.

"We have strict criteria for people using the foodbank."

Hitchcock thanked everyone who contributed over the past three weeks and welcomed the further support.

"If you would still like to help us out we are always in need of more food. Visit us at Brook St and see the difference we are making to those in need in our community."

Two of the younger contributors to the Foodbank SOS appeal were Kendall Arthur and Samantha Cooke.

Together, the 6-year-olds collected more than 100 food items.

Kendall's mum, Rachael Arthur, said after hearing about the shortages at the foodbank, Kendall and Samantha asked around their neighbourhood last weekend for items to donate.

Arthur said the girls did a great job introducing themselves and explaining what they were doing.

"Three hours later, the wheelbarrow was overflowing with more than 100 food items from our generous neighbours.

"We're so proud of not only the effort they put in but also the compassion they've shown in wanting to help our community."

Kendall and Samantha said it felt good to give back to the community.

"It makes me feel happy to help people who need it," Kendall said.

"Because some people don't have a home or much food," said Samantha.

They will deliver the donations with their Pillans Point School classmates later this term when they visit the foodbank.

The girls' teacher, Alison Willis, said there was a school-wide focus on "citizenship" this term.

"We have been looking at people in the community and how they help us and how we can help others in our community."

Willis said children will get first-hand experience of agencies that help others later this term when 95 Year 1 and 2 children visit Tauranga Community Foodbank, Brookfield Salvation Army and the Brookfield New World, which supports Good Neighbour and other community organisations.

Those children have been bringing in items to donate and have already filled three banana boxes with food for the foodbank and two banana boxes with clothes, books and toys for the Salvation Army.

Kendall and Samantha's foodbank collection will now be added to the haul.

"This project is a great way for our children to develop empathy and understanding for those less fortunate than themselves," Willis said.

"Our learning focus started with the children interviewing key staff within our school and looking at their role in helping our school community, and we have now gone wider."

The contribution of Pillans Point School – and that of all the families, individuals, businesses and organisations who donated to the SOS appeal – will make a big difference this winter to those who need help in our city and region.

Thank you all.