Waimate potatoes boost effort for Tonga after Cyclone Gita

Jeff Bruce, of Caithness Farm, near Waimate, has given 80 10kg bags of Nadine potatoes to the fundraising cause. Photo: Alexia Johnston

A Waimate potato farmer is digging deep to help Tongan families hit hard by Cyclone Gita.

Jeff Bruce, of Caithness Farm, has donated a pallet of potatoes to the Church of Tonga Timaru, in support of its latest fundraiser.

The initiative is being held in conjunction with a collection drive to gather titems needed by families affected by the cyclone, which hit the island in late February.

Mr Bruce read about the project so decided to donate 80 10kg bags of Nadine potatoes from his crop.

He also has some 5kg bags of Agrias to donate.

The potatoes are being sold around the community in a project being led by Ti Kouka Kindergarten, Timaru.

Mr Bruce said helping the cause was a no-brainer.

''Being farmers, you can sympathise with people who have been knocked about by the weather.''

He said harvesting was under way and the season was good so far.

The year had been successful for the mixed-cropping farm, which recently had a ''big'' refurbishment of its packing shed. The upgrade meant it complied with New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice regulations, enabling the farm to increase its retail distribution.

''It will give us an increase in market access. We've just started supplying South Island-wide in the last few weeks.''

Now it is Tonga's turn for some good news and that will soon be received in the form of two 40-foot shipping containers.

Money raised from the sale of the potatoes will go towards items to put in the containers alongside the household goods, building materials, paint and furniture already donated.

Fundraiser organiser Anna Leger said the response from the community had been ''great''.

She said people who were moving house were among those who had given items that were surplus to their requirements.

''Our next project is to try to get canned food, and water,'' Mrs Leger said.

While pickup can be arranged, an event is being hosted at the Scouts Hall in Otipua Rd on May 26 from 9am, so people can drop items off.

It will also be a fun family day that will include a range of activities, including a cake stall and sausage sizzle.

Mrs Leger said the event would also give people a chance to see what has been donated already.

The containers will leave PrimePort Timaru for Tonga on June 11.

-By Alexia Johnston

Central Rural Life