Foodbank gains from pool patrons

Bay Lesiure and Events CEO Gary Dawson.They are getting behind the foodbank appeal and giving a can for every person who goes to the pools on Dec 4. Photo: Joel Ford

Members of the public can help boost the city's foodbank just by visiting their local swimming pool.

For the past two years, staff at Baywave, Mount Maunganui Hot Pools, Memorial, Otumoetai and Greerton Pools have dedicated a day where they will donate a can of food to the foodbank for every person who used the pools.

On December 4, for every person who visits the pools a can of food will be donated to the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal for the foodbank.

Bay Leisure and Events chief executive Gary Dawson said a lot of people were in need, especially around Christmas, and this was one way everyone could help people.

"The good thing with this initiative is that customers don't have to pay any more, and the initiative works because we're not asking people to bring in a tin," he said.

"We simply use the gifting as a way to engage with our customers at this time of year and to spread the community spirit by involving them."

Mr Dawson said in the past two years about 1000 cans of food had been donated.

"So we would expect about 500 this year. I guess that is our target. More would be better."

He also encouraged other businesses to get involved.

"It other organisations get on board it would be great," he said.

"Other businesses can think of their own ways to help out.

"It is just doing something good for the wider community."

Already 2396 items and $12,879 in cash had been donated, taking the year's total to $16,473. Each item is being valued at $1.50.