Editorial: Helping is the decent thing to do

A community should look after the needy and vulnerable, says Andrew Austin.

They say one can tell a lot about a community from the way it looks after its needy and vulnerable.

There is no question that there are some amazing organisations helping the poor in the Bay. Some may question why such needs exist, but there is no question that they do. The Salvation Army says there are children here who lack the basics like food and clothing.

A Sallies' report, Mixed Fortunes: the geography of advantage and disadvantage in New Zealand, released this week, measured progress in New Zealand's regions around people, work, the wellbeing of children.

It warned our country could be split into two, with people's quality of life dictated by where they live. Unfortunately, Hawke's Bay fits into the wrong half.

That is why it is so concerning to hear that Jireh Trust Foodbank, a Hastings-based Christian foodbank operation, has to cease delivering food and clothing to the poor.

The larger-scale Hastings Foodbank, supported by the Hastings District Council, is not affected and will continue supplying emergency food parcels to people interviewed and referred by the Hastings Budgeting Advisory Service.

Unfortunately Jireh, started 13 years ago by Stuart and Colleen Olsen, is closing because of costs and a lack of canned food.

It may only be one little organisation, but this is a slippery slope. Before we know it other charities may be in trouble.

There is the argument that we should not be making people dependent on handouts, but surely there is nothing wrong with a little compassion if the need is genuine.