"Time is precious," says Tracey Molyneux, whose donation for Christchurch quake victims was inspired by the thought that for many victims it must feel like time has stood still and their lives will never be the same.
Mrs Molyneux, who has owned Molyneux Jewellers in Willow St for nine years, has
used the shop's takings from watch-battery changes last week to buy hundreds of dollars worth of toiletries to send to those affected by the quake.
"I just felt so helpless and wanted to do something," she said. "Being a woman, I immediately thought about what would be nice to have and have bought toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, toilet paper and handytowels, disposal bags and gloves and Janola for sanitation, leaving fresh water for drinking."
She intends to drop the items off at Red Cross or one of the other drop-off centres in the city.
Mrs Molyneux said she would do the same with this week's takings and challenged other Tauranga businesses to do likewise.
"When you see the extent of the devastation on television you feel so helpless, and buying some essential supplies is the least I can do."
Mrs Molyneux said some of her suppliers hailed from Christchurch and while they were safe, their businesses had not fared as well.
Sales assistant Judy Rountree said buying the supplies was a "solid way" of helping: "This is all about New Zealanders helping their fellow man."
Meanwhile, Ngati Ranganui Iwi Society will be co-ordinating a drop-off centre for the collection and dispatch of donated items to various agencies helping families affected by the devastating quake.
Chairman Huikakahu Kawe called for donations of non-perishable food and items such as blankets, nappies and baby formula.
The drop-off centre in the old Tauranga Post Office building on Willow St will be open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
Mr Kawe said the iwi had also made a cash donation to the Ngai Tahu Charitable Trust fund.
