In just six weeks, more than $128,000 has been raised for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
That incredible figure, as of yesterday afternoon, is provisional and likely to rise.
And that is all thanks to you, the generous people of Tauranga.
During the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal 2017, 33,337 food and grocery items (valued at $2 each) and $62,026.10 cash have been donated – a total of $128,700.10 raised.
Businesses big and small, individuals of all ages, community groups and sports clubs have all dug deep and supported the people in need in this city.
Foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin said 2017 had been a big year in so many ways for the organisation and yesterday was a real race to the finish.
"This six-week appeal has been phenomenal, and we really want the community to know that we will take great care of their donations and there aren't enough ways to say thank you to everyone who has given."
She said there had been many highlights over the course of the Christmas Appeal, some of them featured in the Bay of Plenty Times' daily coverage.
"But this is just the tip of the iceberg as to the generosity we see at the foodbank all day long.
"People of every age bringing in what they can, or phoning first to see what is on our wish list. So many children have contributed over the last six weeks, and it is inspirational to know that these kids are the future of our community."
Goodwin said the foodbank would be starting the New Year with fully-stocked shelves, "which is such a relief".
"January and February are usually busy months for the foodbank; kids are at home and not able to partake of school food programmes, back-to-school costs kick in, along with the usual unexpected situations people find themselves in."
Sharon Hitchcock, chairwoman of the foodbank board, said the Christmas Appeal had been "overwhelming" for her.
"Just the outpouring of generosity from the community and an awful lot of people being helped. And it's just a real mix of people giving – from children, to businesses, to childcare centres. It's a fantastic time to be part of the foodbank."
Hitchcock said a highlight for her was Fill the Bus on December 12.
"Just being out there amongst the community, seeing the giving that's going on. And also seeing it emptied back at the foodbank and how it makes a difference to filling the shelves."
Following the collection effort that day, the foodbank's army of volunteers sorted and counted 9244 items.
With all items valued at $2 each, that is $18,488 raised in just one day.
Hitchcock said that kind of contribution meant the foodbank could plan for the future.
"We can look at what better food we can put in the food parcels; we're always revisiting that. So with the generosity, we've had from our community, we can actually feed people perhaps better food, or feed more people. And the stock will last longer."
She wanted to give a special thanks to all the foodbank volunteers, Nicki Goodwin the foodbank manager, and staff member and volunteer Brendon Collins.
NZME regional editor Scott Inglis said he was stunned at the way in which the community supported the Christmas Appeal each year.
"We do this because we think the foodbank deserves all the help it can get, and our readers and the wider community have once again backed the cause with staggering generosity."
During a visit to the Tauranga Community Foodbank this week, the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend met two brothers from Pyes Pa who instantly summed up the spirit of the Christmas Appeal and the generosity of all those who donated this year.
A quickfire question and answer session soon followed, and the boys' heartfelt and honest responses captured the attention of everyone in the foodbank office.
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What have you brought with you today?
"One-hundred-and-fifty-dollars," Matthew Hardy, 8, said proudly.
"Seventy-five each," Josh Hardy, 11, clarified.
Why are you doing that?
"To help the foodbank," Josh said.
And why do you want to help the foodbank?
"Because they're doing a good thing."
What school do you guys go to?
"Greenpark," the brothers said at the same time.
Is this the first time you're donating?
"Yes," they both said.
"Well we have done a charity last year; we bought something in and just donated it," Matthew added.
"But this is the first time we've done foodbank," Josh clarified – again.
They contributed to a toy drive last year.
What gave you the idea to do the foodbank?
Josh: "Um, nothing really. We just decided to do it."
"Because it was a very good thing to do for people," Matthew added – again.
How did you get your $75?
"We worked," they said at the same time – again.
You worked? What did you do?
"We washed cars and stuff," Josh said.
Matthew: "I did the bins. Each bin I do is 50c, and it does add up."
Josh: "I washed and put away the dishes for a dollar a day."
And mum, what do you think about this?
Mum: "I think it's brilliant. They do great work at home, and we're happy to reward that and, as a family, we discussed helping other people at Christmas time particularly. It's a tough time, and we thought the foodbank did amazing work, and so we thought this would be a good place for the money to go."
Is there anything else you guys want to say?
Josh: "Not really."
Matthew: "Um, just ... the cause was basically, we did it last year, and it was just a great thing to do, so we just did it."
***
Everyone in the foodbank office following along was left buzzing – and smiling.
Josh and Matthew were then given a tour of the building.