Tauranga Port gives Christmas money for good cause

Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns presents a $6000 cheque to Tauranga Community Foodbank chairman Mike Baker. Photo/George Novak

For the past few years one Tauranga business has stopped giving corporate gifts and has put that money towards a good cause.

Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns said the business was donating $10,000 to charities in the Bay of Plenty.

Of that, $6000 has gone to the Tauranga Foodbank and $4000 to KidsCan with the request that the money was used locally.

The Port of Tauranga donation is part of the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal.

Mr Cairns said the foodbank was a very worthy cause and was something which could do with a helping hand.

"It is something which is certainly needed at this time of year."

Mr Cairns spent some time at the foodbank yesterday afternoon and said it was a charity deserving of help.

"The food doesn't stay there for long.

"There's so many people who are in need of a little bit extra help at this time of year."

He encouraged other businesses to get involved with the campaign.

"Lots of people can easily help out and it doesn't have to be with money.

"We are also doing a collection asking people to bring in a can of food," he said.

"Mike Baker and the team of volunteers do such a good job."

Not including the donation from the Port of Tauranga, 9118 items have been donated to the foodbank during the appeal.

Cash donations of more than $30,800, including $7500 of Pak'nSave vouchers and an anonymous $5000 donation, have been dropped off at the foodbank and transferred into the appeal bank account.

Donations can be made at any Westpac branch, Bay of Plenty Times office (Tauranga, Katikati or Te Puke) or at the foodbank on Dive Cres.