Foodbank profits from pupils' enterprise

Students at Tahatai Coast School have donated hundreds of dollars to the Tauranga Community Foodbank, which has helped bring the total amount raised in the Bay of Plenty Times 2012 Christmas Appeal to almost $10,500 in just three weeks.

About 60 Year 5 and 6 students in Rooms 40 and 41 raised about $800 through the Primary Enterprise Program (PrEP), for which they had to invent, market and sell a product.

The students were offered a fancy lunch but instead of spending money on themselves, they decided to donate the money to three charities - the Tauranga Community Foodbank, the Tauranga SPCA and Starship Children's Hospital.

One of the classroom teachers, Sheena Saunders, said the class decided who to donate money to.

"In one of the classes is Logan Alison [who was diagnosed with cancer in July] so that's why Starship was chosen, but they wanted to share it around a bit and help others in the community who were not as fortunate," she said.

School principal Jenny Griggs said she was "blown away" with the generosity of the students.

"The fact that it came all from them has been really outstanding," she said.

"We try and instil good values in these kids and it's really heart-warming to see that they've taken it on board and done something for someone else.

"I'm extremely proud of them."

The school's contribution has helped bring the total amount raised for the foodbank to $10,427.

More than 1500 cans and food items were donated at Saturday's TrustPower and Mount Mainstreet Christmas Festival and Santa Parade. This brings the total number of items donated to the foodbank during the appeal to 5085. Each food item is valued at $1.50.

Cash donations of more than $2800 have also been dropped off to the foodbank and transferred into the appeal bank account.

Meanwhile, the giving spirit is alive within the Tauranga City Sunrise Lions Club with its members gearing up for the annual foodbank can drive.

On the weekend, club members and volunteers dropped off flyers in The Avenues giving notice to residents about their can drive this Saturday, December 8.

Project convenor Ken Evans said the can drive was well supported in its inaugural event last year, which was started in response to the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal. Mr Evans hoped the can drive would receive the same support this time around.

From 8.30am this Saturday volunteers will spend the day collecting from First to Twenty-Second Ave.

If you are not home or do not wish to be disturbed, please leave your donation in a plastic bag on the doorstep.

If anyone wishes to volunteer and help collect, contact Ken Evans on (07) 578 0451.