Helping Spread Christmas Cheer

Food is a central part of everyone’s Christmas celebrations but many Tauranga locals struggle to afford the basics at this time of year. 

That’s why we organise a special collection for Tauranga Foodbank every December. We challenge not only our own staff – but our fellow ANZ building tenants – to donate as many non-perishable food and other useful grocery items as possible. And we’re proud to say this year we’ve outdone ourselves!

Hundreds of items were collected from among the 400 staff who work at Aurecon, ANZ, KPMG, Staples Rodway, Bayleys, LifeTime (previously Rothbury Finance) and Cooney Lees Morgan. 

Our firm also made a $5000 cash donation to support the Foodbank and the valuable work they do. 

Our wonderful Administration Manager, Michelle Senkus, organises our Foodbank collection every year and says people feel really passionate about it. 

“It has gained momentum over the years. Everyone wants to make sure those people in need have food at Christmas. We are lucky enough to make sure we have enough at Christmas, we wouldn't want others to miss out."

Michelle says the collection had a positive impact on all Cooney Lees Morgan staff.

"Everybody likes to feel good about helping out. They like a little bit of competition between other tenants in the building. There's no prize but we like to see who can do the best. At Christmas time, you always like to think that other people are not going to go without."

The Foodbank's warehouse manager, Brendon Collins, came to collect our donations this year which filled his van right up to the windows. 

"We'd certainly be lost without the help. It makes a huge difference and takes the pressure off our budget,” he says.

"Thank you from the Foodbank, we really appreciate it, and I look forward to coming back next year.”