Robbie happy to lend a helping hand

Robbie McGruer has been volunteering at the foodbank since it opened 24 years ago. Photo / Andrew Warner

Robbie McGruer did not hesitate to become involved as soon as he heard about the opening of the Tauranga Community Foodbank and 24 years later he still lends a hand as often as he can.

The 56-year-old was living in Whakamarama when he began volunteering and now lives in Katikati but does not let the drive stop him from helping as often as he can.

Mr McGruer juggles his volunteering with his work at Kiwifruit packhouses.

"I don't mind the drive," he said. "I come when I haven't got work. I just turn up when I've got some free time.

"I look after the vege department and bring stuff in from the cars."

He also greeted clients and collected their docket so the food parcel could be made up.

Mr McGruer said it was always a good feeling to help people out when they came in at their wits' end.

"It helps people who can't manage."

It was also an enjoyable social activity, he said.

"It's just friends and that. You meet other people."

Mr McGruer said his aim was to see as much food donated as possible. Chairman Alan Plunkett said volunteers were "essential" as the charity would not function without them.

To date almost $8500 has been raised through the appeal. The total included 1628 donated items valued at $2 each.