ITM adds $2000 to foodbank

A local business is doing its bit to help feed hungry tummies this Christmas.

Tauranga ITM has gifted $2000 cash to the Tauranga Community Foodbank, in support of the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal 2012.

Its contribution has helped bring the total amount raised in the campaign to more than $50,000.

To date, 17,200 items have been collected since the appeal's launch on November 10 and $25,537 in cash.

Each item is being valued at $1.50 but many of the donated items, including Christmas puddings and chocolates, were worth "a lot more", said foodbank chairman Mike Baker.

The appeal will officially close at 5pm today, although the foodbank is still collecting donations through the Christmas period and into the new year.

Manager of Tauranga ITM, Brent McDonald, said the business was happy to support local charities and had done so for a number of years.

"We're a locally owned and operated business and we like to give back to our community," he said. "It's really nice to be able to do something for the people who are finding it tough this Christmas, and the foodbank is a pretty good charity to support because it helps a lot of people who are really struggling.

"We just want to wish everyone a happy Christmas and New Year, and hopefully our donation can help give someone a better Christmas," he said.

Mr Baker was staggered with the level of community support in the appeal, and said when the final count was made in the New Year he would expect this year's appeal to exceed last year's total of $53,000.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed a little or a lot. It's all cumulative and it all adds up, so thank you. The generous donation from community groups, businesses and families will put us in a much stronger position leading into the new year and beyond."