New Word's recent Family2Family appeal, which ran over April and May this year, saw Kiwis give generously, donating 23,867 food bags which have now been supplied to City Missions and foodbanks across New Zealand. This was the highest number of donations since the appeal went nationwide four years ago.
During the campaign, New Zealanders picked up unique Family2Family paper bags from New World stores, filled them with foodbank-friendly items and left them in the store's donation station for store teams to distribute to the City Missions and local foodbanks. New World also contributed an additional $250,000. These funds have now been distributed across City Missions and local food banks throughout New Zealand.
New World spokesperson Giselle Bleakley said she was blown away by the generosity of Kiwis, with customers appreciating the opportunity to give back to their local communities.
"We know that now more than ever, many families are doing it tough. For those in a position to help, having an easy way to support their local community is hugely valued. We've had a lot of positive feedback from customers about the experience," said Bleakley.
"Our annual Family2Family appeal is all about providing much-needed products and generating awareness for families who need a bit of help through our City Mission and foodbank partners, and it's something our people love supporting too."
Bleakley continued that local teams benefit from all the logistics and heavy lifting behind the scenes, enabling our customers' generosity to make a big difference to its City Mission and foodbank partners.
The Family2Family donations couldn't have come at a better time for the Christchurch City Mission. Christchurch City Mission Social Services Manager Zucchi Leonard says the appeal has been vital in stocking the shelves of the Mission's new self-serve foodbank ahead of its opening last month.
The New World teams helped put the Family2Family donations on its shelves, which was so appreciated, but we know that some items be gone as quickly as the supermarket gets them in.
Family2Family is New World's major annual appeal. It is part of its commitment to be Here for NZ, delivering on promises to provide every New Zealander with access to healthy and affordable food and supporting local communities to thrive. Bleakley said the New World team are proud of how the appeal continues gaining momentum.
"Family2Family is now a well-established national appeal that makes a real difference at a grassroots level, and both our customers and our team members get to see the impact it has on our communities which is one of the aspects that makes it so special."
