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Mangawhai’s Te Whai Community Trust food bank has received a major winter boost with an influx of donations from the New World Family2Family food bank appeal.
The donations will directly support the Trust’s frontline Aroha Baskets food bank programme, just in time for the colder months ahead.
“We are so incredibly grateful to Mangawhai New World for their support, and for the generosity of all the locals who supported the campaign,” Te Whai Community Trust wellbeing coordinator Becky Kemps says. “This gives our food bank a huge boost as we come into the busy winter season.”
In addition to the food bank boost, Te Whai Community Trust has officially opened Mangawhai’s latest pātaka kai (shared pantry). The pātaka was built by Caidan Brien, who was recently crowned the NZCB Young Apprentice of the Year. Brien constructed the pantry during the regional finals and gifted it to the community initiative.
Since its installation last month, the pātaka has been given a splash of colour by local artist Shann Whitaker, who painted the exterior.
“We are stoked to see Caidan and Shann put their skills together to create something that can support our community in such a positive way,” Becky says.
Located at the gate to Te Whai Community House at 73 Moir Street, locals are encouraged to have a look at the incredible workmanship and are invited to leave fresh fruit, veggies, or unopened, non-perishable pantry staples at the shared pantry.
Community members looking to support the wider Aroha Baskets programme can drop grocery items into the dedicated donation bins at Mangawhai New World or make a financial contribution online via the Te Whai Community Trust website.
For people going through a particularly challenging time who need a bit more support, the trust says they can reach out in complete confidence to register for an Aroha Food Basket, designed as a supportive helping hand when things get tight.
“We want to remind locals that we know times are tough for many, so if you need a hand to tide you over, we’re here to help,” Becky says.
To access support at Te Whai Community Trust, people are invited to telephone or text 027 220 0889 or 09 431 3459, or email info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz.
