Donated items show generosity of Bay people

Ash Zachan and Steph Halstead from Gemco Construction and Trades with a pile of donated goods to be sent to Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam.

Hawke's Bay people have largely contributed to an overwhelming outpouring of compassion for Vanuatu.

Locals have become an integral part of what's grown to become the biggest collection effort in the country, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam.

GEMCO Construction and Trades commercial manager Ashley Zachan was blown away by the generosity, as items filled a room at their Havelock North offices and then an entire container.

He was even more surprised when they received enough goods to half-fill a second container in just 24 hours. "It has been fantastic support, it's certainly been well received by the Ni-Vans that are over here as RSE workers, they are looking forward to it arriving this week and next week," he said.

The business came on board as a place to drop off supplies of water organised by Mr Zachan's friend Glen Craig, who lives in Port Vila.

It blossomed to include other goods such as clothing, ropes, pots, cutlery, cooking utensils and non-powered hand tools.

People had made inquiries about donating furniture but with two containers already packed to the brim, GEMCO had to cut off somewhere and will no longer be taking items as of today.

It wasn't just locals who supported the drive, they also received calls from people in Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga offering to ship things down, and asking what they could do in their cities to help. "It's a lot bigger than we thought it would be, there's schools involved, just yesterday Royston Hospital offered old bedding, there's logistical support with freighting our containers for free, supply of containers, food and water."

Donations will hopefully arrive in Vanuatu over the next fortnight to be systematically distributed to people in Port Vila and surrounding islands, which were hit hardest.

Reputable charities Oxfam, Save the Children and Red Cross will unload at the other end.