Wally introduced Sharon who is the New Plymouth Food Bank’s Manager, she was educated at Spotswood College, has 2 adult children and came to the position 3.5 years ago after a managing Adult Literacy New Zealand in New Plymouth. Saron thanked our Rotary Club Of Ngāmotu Charitable Trust for donating $600.00/month to The NP Foodbank in the last 6 months. Most of this has been used to provide fresh fruit and vegetables
In the time she has been manager the Foodbank has grown from 3 volunteers 3 days a week from 9.00am to 2.00pm handling donations in the morning and interviewing clients in the afternoon to 25 volunteers handling donations in the morning to 2-3 packing parcels in the afternoon.
Currently she has a client base of 632 people being assisted, last week 210 parcels were provided to a wide variety of people in need. Referrals make up 50% of clients from organisations like Tui Ora, TDHB, Police, MSD.
Some clients are often too proud to ask for assistance, NZ Superanuitants that don’t own their own home, people with mental health issues.
She try’s not to be judgemental when interviewing clients and has to match family needs in the distribution of parcels.
The annual drive in December is critical to the Foodbank survival. Storage has become a major problem and current premises will not meet future needs.
The Trust will be reviewing ongoing support at their next meeting.
Club Business;
A reminder about donating Non perishable goods or money for fines.
Bingo Night:
Sally's mixed media art will be up for auction next Monday night bring your cash.
See picture supplied.