Christmas appeal: Businesses encouraged to donate TECT cheque

Hobec are donating their TECT cheque and encouraging other businesses to do the same. Practice manager Sharline Fitzgerald and senior partner Bill Holland post the cheque. Photo/John Borren

Each year, Holland Beckett Lawyers donates its TECT cheque to the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

The firm has given its cheque to the foodbank annually since 2009, a tradition that has amassed a total donation of $13,474. Senior partner Bill Holland, who is also the chairman of the TECT board of trustees, said donating the firm's dividend to the Christmas Appeal was another way of helping distribution to the community.

"The foodbank comes under extra pressure over the holiday period so it is a great time of year for them to receive some extra cash."

The firm began its annual donations in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis.

"It was really a case of what can we do that helps everybody. The most basic requirement for people is food. It doesn't get any more urgent or tough than that.

"The need hasn't gone away because certain parts of the economy are humming along. We're trying to help those who aren't benefiting from the economic revival."

Hobec's TECT dividends this year reached a high of $2259, twice as much as their first foodbank donation of $1190.

Practice manager Sharline Fitzgerald said the firm supported a lot of different community groups and activities.

"We have such a huge staff of over 100 people involved in different community organisations. Where we can, we like to support those efforts. We are involved in a lot of different things, but as Bill alluded to before, there is nothing more basic than the need for food."

The firm's annual donation has doubled since it began its contribution.

"Our Foodbank donation has ended up doubling over the last seven years. Coincidentally Holland Beckett has doubled its staff numbers over the same period. Double the staff, double the electricity spend and double the donation to the Foodbank."

Hobec's TECT cheque donations to Tauranga Community Foodbank
2016: $2259
2015: $1800
2014: $1892
2013: $1851
2012: $1647
2011: $1683
2010: $1152
2009: $1190
Total: $13,474