Last can drive for Christmas appeal brings out generosity in Mount Maunganui

Arataki resident Jamee Smith with Tauranga Community Foodbank chairwoman Sharon Hitchcock at the last can drive in Mount Maunganui. Photo/Ruth Keber

The third and final can drive was held in Mount Maunganui tonight and residents dug deep to support the cause.

Tauranga Community Foodbank chairwoman Sharon Hitchcock got her sneakers and carry bag out to hit the streets in Arataki and was amazed at the generosity.

"At one house we had already gotten some cans and were walking down the driveway when they called out and gave us a big bag of really good-quality kiwifruit," Ms Hitchcock said, speaking with the Bay of Plenty Times in between houses on Grenada St.

"It continually amazes me - the giving at this time of year."

Arataki resident Jamee Smith gave two cans, saying he had heaps of cans on his shelf he had no use for.

"I'm not eating them so might as well give them to those who need it."

Christmas appeal co-ordinator Sonya Bateson said the third Bay of Plenty Times can drive had been a huge success and she was grateful to all the Arataki residents who helped out with a donation.

"It was amazing just how many people wanted to give something, whether big or small. We got everything from a single tin of baked beans to multiple packets of noodles and bags of pasta - it all counts and can help make someone's Christmas that much merrier," she said.

Ms Bateson also wanted to thank all the staff and volunteers who gave up their time to help collect donations over the three days of the appeal.

As of Monday, the appeal had collected $66,969 in donations of food and cash.