New World Masterton owner Clive Webber [right] and checkout supervisor Pam Singh at the Foodbank unit at the supermarket. PHOTO/JOHN LAZO-RON
John Lazo-Ron
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Nine Masterton supermarkets, retailers and dairies have teamed up in a bid to raise a record $30,000 worth of groceries as part of Masterton’s upcoming annual Foodbank Challenge.
The week-long challenge, where customers can donate foodbank friendly items at any of the participating retailers, will take place from Monday, September 27, to Sunday, October 3.
All proceeds raised would go to Masterton Foodbank.
Clive Webber, owner-operator at New World Masterton and founder of the Masterton Foodbank Challenge, said he was excited about having so many other retailers on board this year.
“We’ve had massive success in the past two challenges, so I thought this year, why not expand it wider and get more of the community involved,” he said.
“We’ve got others joining in now so it’s amazing.”
Webber quickly emphasised this was not a New World promotion but a community-based project among many Masterton stores that want to do their part towards a good cause.
“This initiative is all about bringing our community together and partnering with our fellow retailers to create a lasting impact on those families struggling the most,” he said.
“Food insecurity is a growing issue in Masterton, and it’s important we support Masterton Foodbank and the work they are doing to provide food parcels to families in our community struggling to put food on the table.”
The stakes have been raised much higher with the additional stores participating in the challenge this year, with the event raising $10,000 in 2020.
Webber said he would meet every dollar his customers put into the Masterton Foodbank Challenge.
Manager at Masterton Foodbank Jenna Matchette said she was incredibly grateful to have the support of retailers in the community.
“Covid-19 has put additional pressure on our resources and we’re seeing more families reach out for help. No donation is too small, and the grocery essentials donated will be used in food parcels distributed to families in the lead up to Christmas.”
If you would like to be part of the Masterton Foodbank Challenge, you can donate items at any of these retailers:
New World Masterton
Countdown
PAK’nSAVE Masterton
Moore Wilsons
The Warehouse
Copper Kettle Superette
East Side Superette
Hospital Food Market
Solway Superette
