Bay of Plenty community steps up, raises $80,000 for Good Neighbour charity

Good Neighbour food rescue coordinator Fleur Bos, supporter Stephen Thomas and Good Neighbour general manager Renee Hanna are stoked the Good Walk has raised in excess of $80,000 for the charity. Photo / Brydie Thompson

The Bay of Plenty community has literally stepped up to support a local charity this month by raising in excess of $80,000 via a walking fundraiser campaign.

Good Neighbour called on the community to participate in The Good Walk in October – a 30 Laps in 30 Days Challenge, where every step helped fund food rescue, youth mentoring, backyard projects, and more.

Participants could choose to walk their laps of whatever they wished – a local school, retirement village, or Mauao, for example – and find sponsors.

Good Neighbour general manager Renee Hanna said hundreds of walkers from across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty laced up their shoes for the challenge.

As of Thursday, she estimated the charity was on track to receive more than $80,000 from the month-long fundraiser.

She said the $40,000 raised by the public would be matched dollar-for-dollar by match funders Carmel Country Estate, HOBEC, One NZ, and BOP Foodstuffs.

“This will bring the total impact to at least an amazing $80,000.”

Hanna said every walker, donor and supporter had helped create a lasting impact for people and families across Tauranga.

“We’re so thankful for this community and how it continues to show up for one another,” Hanna said.

Funds raised through The Good Walk would help Good Neighbour continue to transform lives through its food rescue, community meals, backyard projects, support into employment, youth mentoring, tailored practical support for whānau and collaborative partnerships that make Tauranga a more connected, compassionate, and resilient place to live, Hanna said.

“With these collective efforts, Good Neighbour supports on average 7200 people in Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga every week.”

She said every $1 donated to the charity produced $4.50 of social impact.

Hanna said businesses had also stepped up in a big way, with many not only donating to the fundraiser but rallying staff to join the walking challenge.

“Their leadership helped inspire others to get involved, showing that when local businesses and residents unite for a cause, the ripple effect reaches far beyond the final lap.”

Hanna said Good Neighbour is hosting a final walk party to wrap up the month on Sunday at the base of Mauao in Mount Maunganui, with free food, giveaways, live entertainment, sandcastle competitions, and surprise guests ready to sign t-shirts.

Hanna said there was also still time left to donate to the Good Walk.

“Good Neighbour extends its deepest thanks to every walker, donor, sponsor, and volunteer who made this year’s event such a success.

Donations can be made at Good Neighbour’s website, goodneighbour.co.nz.