Editorial: Locals show a giving spirit

The Bay of Plenty Times Foodbank appeal has raised over $43,484 in cash and food items. PIctured is Tauranga Foodbank manager Nicki Goodwin, chairman Alan Plunkett, and Bay of Plenty Times editor Scott Inglis.

Support for this year's foodbank appeal continues to grow.

Last month we launched the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal, in conjunction with The Hits, to benefit the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Bay locals have again shown their generous spirit. As of yesterday, $43,484 in cash and food items had been donated to the appeal so far.

Over recent weeks, we have featured some of the stories of generous locals whose donations have helped get the appeal off to such a good start.

Yesterday, we reported on the efforts of Greerton Gardens Retirement Village staff and residents who dug deep to collect two boxes of food items for the appeal.

The village residents have been taking part in the annual appeal for about three years.

Village president Paul Moffatt said a number of individual residents had also made cash donations.

All 35 residents took part in the collection in some way.

"It's not as if we're rolling in dough," Mr Moffatt said. "We're just pleased to be able to help in a little way."

Earlier in the week First Mortgage Managers chief executive Tony Kinzett handed $2000 to the foodbank for the appeal, allowing foodbank staff to make their own selections of staple foods that are needed by its clients.

Financial controller Roger Ford said the foodbank was something the firm had supported in the past. Earlier this year, they gave the foodbank a freezer to help store chilled foods.

"We just think at this time of year, there's a lot of families in need. We thought this time of year, it would be a nice thing to do," Mr Ford said.

This evening Bay of Plenty Times staff and volunteers will be going door-to door in The Lakes area asking for donations in the first of this year's can drives. All non-perishable food, personal hygiene items and baby products will be gladly received.

Anyone who will not be at home but who still wants to donate to the appeal can leave non-perishable goods to be collected on their doorstep with a note or drop items at BP Tauriko from 5.30pm.

Please help us keep the momentum building. Together we can make a difference.