The amazing generousness that is deeply inbedded in the people of New Zealand always shines through

November 20, 2013

The amazing generousness that is deeply inbedded in the people of New Zealand always shines through

New Zealanders are known the world over for their relaxed, easy going, welcoming and extremely caring nature and the latest Christmas Appeal set up by ‘Bay of Plenty Times’ stagg has drawn New Zealanders from all occupations and walks of life to give all they can including time and resources to help those less fortunate. Many countries had a thriving community spirit in times gone by but with the changes to society over the years this has all but disappeared in most neighbourhoods around the world, where as here it has never left and is as thriving as it ever was. 
Arataki residents generously got behind the first can drive of this year's Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal. The initial step was for staff of the ‘Bay of Plenty Times’ to collect donations for the first food bank on the list - Tauranga Community Foodbank, and though they expected residents to give, the response was overwhelming. Possibly the most endearing even was that volunteer firefighter helped by driving the streets sounding their sirens to make residents aware of the campaign, can you genuinely say you would see things like this anywhere else in the world? A reporter who was there at the time, Sonya Bateson said that the response was just amazing and people were handing over an unbelievable amount of food. 
Food Bank chairman Mike Baker has estimated that more than 500 items were collected during the one outing. The Christmas Appeal launched less than two weeks ago and since then, more than $11,800 has been raised for the foodbank.
Cash donations of more than $10,800 have been dropped off to the foodbank and transferred into the appeal bank account.
The amazing generousness that is deeply inbedded in the people of New Zealand always shines through and we’re a nation known for giving and for helping. We have helped countless immigrants join our country and communities and here we really are just like one big happy family! Imagine the community spirit within an English town during the Blitz, for example, add in some glorious sunshine, breathtaking backdrops and stunning scenery and in a nutshell, that is New Zealand!
The sad matter is is that we do have food banks meaning their are struggling people here, like all over the world people do hit hard times for a number of different reasons, but the difference is that here you will never struggle alone, if people can help you they always will and in a wonderfully gracious manner.   