The Tauranga community really understands the meaning of Christmas spirit.
This year's Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal broke last year's record of $124,191 for the Tauranga Community Foodbank with a total of $128,700.10 raised as at 3pm yesterday.
That tally consisted of cash donations of $62,026.10 and food donations worth $66,674.
What a way to end not only our annual appeal but also 2017!
Over the last six weeks, we've been blown away by the tremendous support shown to the foodbank through this appeal - and that's all thanks to the Tauranga community.
We've heard some amazing stories of children doing everything they can to help those who struggle at Christmas time, we've seen businesses and organisations make massive donations - both financial and with goods, and members of the public have not shied away from doing their part to ensure Christmas is that little bit easier for others.
We've also ran a successful Fill the Bus campaign involving Bay of Plenty Times and The Hits staff being transported around the city on a Bayhopper bus - courtesy of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council - and collecting donations which were sorted and counted by the foodbank's army of volunteers.
Donations worth $18,488 were raised in just one day!
Staff around the city have participated, families, service clubs, individuals and community groups have all helped in the success of this year's appeal.
Through this support, foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin says they will be able to start the new year with fully-stocked shelves - a massive relief for those at the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
She says January and February are usually busy months. Kids are at home and not able to take part in school food programmes, families struggle with back-to-school costs as well as other unexpected bills and situations.
Sharon Hitchcock, chairwoman of the Tauranga Community Foodbank board, says the support shown through this appeal proves Tauranga is a fantastic community - and we agree.
So thank you to everyone who has helped in the success of this year's appeal.
It is evident that Tauranga is a community that is giving, empathetic and understands the meaning of giving back at Christmas time. You are terrific, Tauranga!