The 250 staff of WEL Networks have been setting an example by providing a real boost to stocks at Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank, as demand for food parcels continues to soar.
Now, the team at the WEL offices in Maui Street is challenging other businesses in Hamilton to step up and do what they can to help meet the need.
Last week the combined Foodbank picked up a heap of groceries and produce that WEL Networks departments collected. They are planning another collection before Christmas and will also be donating a week's supply of the fresh fruit which WEL regularly buys for staff.
WEL Networks, which has been serving the Waikato for 100 years, is a community-owned company with WEL Energy Trust as its sole shareholder.
Communications advisor Erin Rangi-Watt says staff chose the Foodbank as a charity to help after learning that their need had grown significantly in recent months.
"Now we are going to inform other companies and businesses in Maui Street - and our business contractors - to create awareness and challenge them to do the same," she said.
The manager of the Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank, Louisa Humphry, said Hamilton families are going through some really hard times this year with demand for food parcels soaring in all months apart from April and May.
The latest figures - for October - show 100 more families than usual needing help. The combined foodbank supplies about three-quarters of all the food parcels donated to those in need across Hamilton.
"In October 2016 we gave out parcels to 261 families - made up of 412 adults and 352 children," says Louisa.
"For October 2017 the figures were 365 families we helped, made up of 581 adults and 582 children.
"It is stretching our resources but we are lucky in having the generosity of the people of Hamilton.
"It is so lovely to see the help that comes from companies like WEL Networks as well as our churches, our schools and the rest of the community."
Louisa says they have been seeing a lot of new families in need of help who are families on wages.
"But rents are higher and living cost are up, or children have started school and there are extra costs. Some have resorted to easy access lending agencies who say they are helping families but the families end up in debt with high interest rates to pay.
Louisa says the Foodbank has strict criteria for supplying food parcels so as not to create a dependency, but some times adults make wrong decisions on spending.
"When we see children who are hungry, we always try to help where we can."
If you can help, contact the Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank on 07 856 2520, or email: hccft@xtra.co.nz