Tauranga Crossing unveiled Trees for Charity on November 7, a Christmas tree installation with 20 trees.
Twenty community groups from across Tauranga came together to decorate the trees to be donated to Tauranga Community Foodbank families.
The trees will be displayed until December 1, when they will be delivered to the families.
In addition to a decorated Christmas tree, each recipient will receive a $500 Pak’nSave voucher, delivering a total of $10,000 in grocery support to local families.
Tauranga Crossing chief executive Andrew Campbell said the campaign was about bringing the community together.
“Trees for Charity has become a much-loved part of Christmas at Tauranga Crossing, and we’re proud to bring it back for another year.”
He said seeing local groups decorate the trees, knowing they would soon end up in the homes of local families, was what the season was all about.
“We hope the wider community will get behind the foodbank and help us create an even greater impact this Christmas.”
Trees for Charity is part of a broader Christmas programme at Tauranga Crossing.
Tauranga Crossing chief executive Andrew Campbell and centre manager Janet Vincent. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
From November 29 to Christmas, the centre’s gift-wrapping service will raise funds for Tauranga Community Foodbank.
Last year, the gift-wrapping booths generated $7361 for the charity.
Non-perishable food items can be donated to the foodbank at the concierge desk until Christmas Eve.
Tauranga Crossing centre manager Janet Vincent said Trees for Charity was a “really special” initiative that brought the community together for a meaningful cause.
“After seeing the incredible generosity and support last year, we knew we wanted to bring it back and continue to make a difference for local families.”
Tauranga Community Foodbank has supported more than 22,000 people over the past year and distributed the equivalent of more than 280,000 meals.
Vincent said the level of need in the community showed many families were still doing it tough and the need for support never went away.
Tauranga Community Foodbank general manager Nicki Goodwin says the support received through Trees for Charity makes a real difference. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
“Particularly at a time of the year when the financial pressures of Christmas can be even greater.”
She said Christmas should be a time of joy for everyone.
“While providing practical support helps ease some of the financial pressures on families, it’s equally important to create moments of happiness, connection and a sense of belonging.”
Tauranga Community Foodbank general manager Nicki Goodwin said the need for food support was significant as households continued to struggle with everyday living costs.
“We’re seeing more pensioners needing support to put food on the table, and with the rising cost of fuel, we’re delivering more food directly to people who can no longer afford to travel to us.”
Goodwin said the support from initiatives such as Trees for Charity made a “real difference”.
“The Christmas trees and grocery vouchers will help ease some of the pressure on local families, while donations through Tauranga Crossing’s gift-wrapping service and food collection point will help us continue supporting those who need it most.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.