Sheryl introduced Raewyn and her fellow colleagues Ann Duncan and Ida van Heuven. In 1999 they had the food and clothing bank which the locals ran through the Budget Advisory Service. Raewyn joined the Food Bank in 2001, she loved playing shopkeeper as a child and this is shown through her passion for this job. Raewyn is involved in interviewing prospective clients who are either self referred or by WINZ or churches. 

There are many different jobs to do in the Food Bank. Last year they fed 89 families at Christmas, which involved 110 children. Lockdowns created more demand and issues for all walks of life, care packages for people in isolation were delivered to their door. If they need specific clothing she can buy it or contacts the local Salvation Army, cash donations allow for special dietary requirements to be met. Ida gets the meat processed to meet their needs. If people want to donate they will accept supermarket gift cards and non expired food items and money of course. Most donations are from churches or individuals, which helped raise $10,000 last year. They cover the Matamata, Waharoa, Te Poi and Okoroire areas... but not Tirau.

Peter Thissen thanked Raewyn and presented her with a certificate and a pen.

 

Yet again I have to apologise for the delay in getting this Bulletin out. I started working full time last week and literally have been busy every night since... oh to have my life! But I feel I am getting on top of everything so thank you for your patience.

 

I have been helping out in the community by being Quiz master at The Merchant so this week Jane took notes. Many thanks JB!!