Christmas Appeal: Fired up for collecting

Napier MP Stuart Nash and Maggie Ronchi, from the Napier Community Foodbank, with a fraction of what was collected in just two days.

When Napier MP Stuart Nash decided to do a spot of collecting for the Napier Community Foodbank, he didn't have to go far to find something to pick things up in.

Nothing like a firetruck to provide plenty of storage space - and his hard-to-miss red engine was perfect.

He also didn't have to go far to be inspired into collecting what turned out to be scores of boxes of food and goodies.

"Mum volunteers for the foodbank and she said there was a bit of a shortage there," Mr Nash said.

"Christmas is a time of joy for most but for many it can be a bit of a struggle, so we decided to help fill the shelves."

He conducted the same campaign four years ago. Last Saturday and Sunday he parked outside Countdown on Dickens St and he and his revolving crew of volunteers collected goodies.

"The people of Napier are very generous - we had so many come forward," he said.

The result was so overwhelming they had to start delivering stacked cartons on Saturday afternoon.

"The truck filled up."

Foodbank spokeswoman Maggie Ronchi was delighted with the result.

"It is so absolutely valuable to us and we want to thank the whole community for their continual support of us."

She said every year people stepped forward to help at what was a special time.

The foodbank works with 40 social agencies to ensure emergency food parcels go to people who are often in desperate need of additional food.

"And the 70 volunteers we have are absolute stars."

Mr Nash said the result was heartwarming.

He and his team would now make it more than an annual affair.

"We'll do two a year."