Louise Watson (left inset) and Profiles Gym Greerton are running collections for the Tauranga Community Foodbank this Christmas. Pictured right inset from Profiles Gym Greerton are trainer Hemi Kawha (left) and manager Nicole Weck (right). Photos / Kaitlyn Morrell, Supplied
Louise Watson (left inset) and Profiles Gym Greerton are running collections for the Tauranga Community Foodbank this Christmas. Pictured right inset from Profiles Gym Greerton are trainer Hemi Kawha (left) and manager Nicole Weck (right). Photos / Kaitlyn Morrell, Supplied
Personal trainer Louise Watson has built a reputation for helping others and pushing them to their limits – but at Christmas, she’s pushing for something far greater.
Known on social media as Boss Lady, she has kick-started her annual foodbank collection, rallying her clients and the wider community.
Hersis not the only local gym using its platform to fight food insecurity.
This year, Profiles Gym Greerton, has launched its own collection.
The collections come during the Bay of Plenty Times annual six-week Christmas Appeal for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
Louise Watson started her foodbank collections in 2017, and this year has already amassed more than 150 items after putting the call out in early November.
“I think it’s just part of my nature and how I’ve always been, helping others within my role, and it comes naturally to go that extra mile.”
Her first collection resulted in 60 cans being donated, and since then, the operation has grown, with her largest collection of nearly 7000 items filling a van and trailer.
She said her clients were “so excited” for the foodbank collection each year, setting targets of items to be donated.
“We’re going to start at 1000. I feel like that’s doable, not unreachable, but definitely could surpass that.”
She has a following of 19,000 on Facebook and 4000 on Instagram, accumulating an audience who contributed to the initiative.
Louise Watson (Boss Lady) has been collecting foodbank donations since 2017. Photo / Supplied
“You never know the difference that you’re going to make.”
The public can drop non-perishable items off at AMF HQ gym on Kaweroa Drive, Tauriko, in a box or bag during staffed hours or message Watson directly on social media.
“My best bit of advice that I follow at the moment is, what’s the alternative for not running it? People are struggling, so going for it and making a difference is worth it.”
She will be collecting items for the foodbank until December 20, before handing them over.
Last year’s appeal resulted in a total of 32,106 food items being donated from various collections. The foodbank valued each item at an average $3, which added up to $96,318 worth of food.
Profiles Gym Greerton manager Nicole Weck said it was the “right decision” choosing to support the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
“It’s an easy way for people to help because a little bit goes a long way, even if someone just brings in a can or a packet of pasta, that all adds up.”
She said Profiles Gym Greerton was one “huge” family when it came to supporting others.
“What goes around comes around, and I just feel the kindness and care that we can do to help people, that’s just what life’s all about.”
She said there was no goal for the collection, but the gym aimed to collect as much as it could to “push, push, push” and get some momentum.
Profiles Gym Greerton trainer Hemi Kawha (left) and manager Nicole Weck (right) at Tauranga Community Foodbank. Photo / Instagram
“Be kind, think about other people, and put yourself in their shoes.”
Anyone can contribute to the collection by dropping items at Profiles Gym in Greerton.
Tauranga Community Foodbank general manager Nicki Goodwin said she was “super grateful” to Boss Lady and Profiles Gym for joining the movement of supporting through kai.
“These businesses understand the importance of eating well and having access to appropriate food, so their support means the world to us.”
Goodwin said Boss Lady had featured on the appeal for a “long time” and loved the energy she brought.
“I am sure that she has inspired others in her profession to join the cause.”
It is estimated that 30% of the groceries the foodbank distributed had been donated.
“These contributions have a direct impact on the wellbeing of others and will help many people in the coming weeks and months.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
