200718aw02bop.JPG Phillipa de Vere from the Tauranga Foodbank accepts $2000 in cash and food from local Lions members Alison Waugh, Lionel Raven and Doug Morris. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER.

The coffers at Tauranga Foodbank were boosted by $2000, thanks to the generosity of five local Lions Clubs.

Representative Lionel Raven said $1200 in cash and $800 in food was collected by Ōtumoetai, Tauranga City Sunrise, Bethlehem Te Puna, Greerton and Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club.

There were families struggling in the community and the Lions wanted to help, he says.

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''Our motto is to serve the public and this is one way we can do it.''

Lions members also recognise the demands on the foodbank continue day in day out, he says.

''We also want to congratulate Foodbank volunteers for the effort and care they take in continuing to meet the ongoing need in our community.''

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club president Doug Morris says it was a great initiative that bought the Lions Clubs together for a good cause.

''It's a time to help when probably the Foodbank isn't highlighted as there is a big drain on the food. We feel we are filling a void and the response from members has been give, give, give.''

Alison Waugh from Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club says it group was made up of women ''and they can relate very well to donating to this type of cause''.

She says the club collected cash donations and bought food that was on the Foodbank's priority list.

''There is a constant need for this so I think we will do it again.''

Meanwhile Tauranga Foodbank vice chairwoman Phillipa de Vere says it relied totally on donations to keep running.

''We get a few grants but any donation big or small is vital.''

A couple of months ago the Bay of Plenty Times launched an SOS for the foodbank which was a big success but it still needed some items.

''Any donation is welcome as it all gets used and we can store perishable items.''

The Foodbank was currently short on baby items and toiletries, including toilet rolls, soap deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, she said.


About Lions
* Lions members are ordinary men and women from all walks of life are committed to making a difference in our communities.
* In New Zealand about 11,000 members belong to 400 clubs across the country.
* They are part of a worldwide network of 1.4 million Lions in over 200 countries.
* For more information about Lions Clubs visit www.lionsclubs.org.nz

Tauranga Foodbank
* A local charity providing support (in the form of food parcels) to families and people in need in the Tauranga region.
* Last year it helped 17,000 people from all walks of life throughout the city with more than 6,000 food parcels.
* To donate direct to Tauranga Community Foodbank Trust bank account 03 0435 0482117 00
* Or call 578 9888.