Goodwin said the foodbank was \u201cabsolutely delighted\u201d with the 29,962 food items donated during the appeal, with more expected over the next week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe care that people put into choosing what to donate is evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so great to have a few extra things to include for people, such as muesli bars, coffee and biscuits.\u201d<\/p>\n
The $176,145.98 in financial donations would go \u201ca long way\u201d towards covering grocery bills for the next five months.<\/p>\n
While this was less than last year\u2019s record tally, Goodwin said this was \u201cno doubt due to people finding themselves unable to afford to give as they may once have\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery dollar donated will go towards purchasing the necessary food items to make sure we can help out with great kai.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing fancy, but good, nutritious everyday foods that will nourish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Christmas goodies donated to the Tauranga Community Foodbank during the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal. Photo \/ Kaitlyn Morrell<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of the appeal in mid-November, Goodwin said more than 3000 people had been supported with food, including 1595 children.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the coming months, we expect the appeal will assist another 10,000 people.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the lead-up to Christmas was \u201cpretty hectic\u201d but also very rewarding.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing better than seeing the smiles from people who are so grateful to receive this support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Large donations during the appeal included $20,000 from the Port of Tauranga<\/a>, and Hillsdene Charitable Trust also contributed $20,000.<\/p>\n Tauranga Crossing collected donations through its Christmas gift-wrapping service. It presented a cheque for $7361 to the foodbank on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The shopping centre also donated 30 decorated Christmas trees and a $500 grocery voucher to families supported by the foodbank earlier in the appeal.<\/p>\n Tauranga Crossing senior marketing manager Lana Stretton said supporting the foodbank was a \u201cnatural choice\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cDemand for food support continues to grow, and donations help ensure people have access to necessities with dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n Stretton said the response from the community was \u201cincredibly generous\u201d, with thousands of customers contributing to the $7361, up from $6602 in 2024.<\/p>\n The shopping centre was also a collection point for food donations during the appeal, along with libraries across Tauranga City and the foodbank depot. <\/p>\n The appeal aimed to replenish the foodbank\u2019s shelves, offer Christmas treats to people who might otherwise have none and give the foodbank a financial boost coming into the new year.<\/p>\n Each food item was valued at an average $3, totalling $89,886 towards the combined appeal tally of $266,031.98.<\/p>\n In the 2024 appeal, a record-breaking $316,904.17 was donated<\/a> \u2013 $220,586.17 in cash and $96,318 in food.<\/p>\n The 2025 appeal included fundraising efforts such as The Hits collection with Ingham Tauranga, where more than 500 food items were collected and delivered to the foodbank.<\/p>\nTauranga Community Foodbank general manager Nicki Goodwin (left) and Tauranga Crossing senior marketing manager Lana Stretton (right). Photo \/ Kaitlyn Morrell<\/p>\n