Boy's selfless birthday donation wows foodbank

Callum Stauber gave up birthday presents at his party, instead asking for donations for the foodbank. Photo / Alisa Yong

At an age when most children spend all year anticipating their birthday presents, a Masterton boy has selflessly asked for foodbank donations instead of gifts.

Callum Stauber, 6, asked classmates at his recent birthday party to bring food for Masterton Foodbank, giving up presents in favour of the old adage that giving is the best gift.

The St Patrick's school pupil said he wanted to give to the foodbank because he "liked doing strength and kindness" which is the school's motto.

Callum's mother, Rowena Stauber, said she and Callum had talked about the newspaper articles on the foodbank's increased demand, and he had been keen to help out.

"Instead of presents he's asked for donations for the foodbank. His friends were amazing and bought bags of food to donate, so it was lovely," Mrs Stauber said.

Altogether the children pitched in two boxes of food, which were delivered to the foodbank on Thursday.

"They [the foodbank] do an amazing job already and the community support since they did their plea has been huge."

Callum's kindness had since been recognised by the school, which awarded him the "Consideration Cup" at an assembly last Friday.

Teachers praised Callum's idea and presented him with the cup, which is only given out on special occasions, and the pupils burst into applause and a spontaneous standing ovation, Mrs Stauber said.

"It was just the most amazing feeling -- an outpouring of love and aroha," she said.

Foodbank co-ordinator Lyn Tankersley said Callum was the first child to give such a donation to the foodbank.

Callum Stauber and friend Cooper Fleming proudly display the food they donated to Masterton Foodbank.

"How selfless is that? It's just incredible that this little boy would want to do that . . . it's just amazing."

Mrs Tankersley said public support for the foodbank since their appeal for help in May had been "fantastic".

"The shelves are really lovely and full although we are still experiencing a high demand, we just wanted to thank everybody for their generosity."

"We are very, very grateful for the wonderful community support that we've received.
"It's just blown us away - we can't believe it."