‘Willing hearts’ feed the needy

Community groups from East Tamaki joined forces with AUT students to help feed those in need over Easter.

The AUT Cook Island Association (CIA), Cook Island East Tamaki Health Committee (CIETHC), and East Tamaki Seventh Day Adventist united for a community outreach programme in the CBD last week.

The initiative was driven by students of CIA who were aware of the homeless and needy living rough on Auckland’s city streets. It was timed to coincide with Easter weekend.

The group met at AUT city campus to pack and distribute numerous food packs, which were donated to people identified as in need in the Myers Park, Albert Park and Queen Street area.

The volunteers with bags of donated food to benefit those in need. Photo: Ngarima Ioasa

AUT chaplain Linda Hope guided the outreach launch, which saw mounds of food donations received from several sources including CIETHC, East Tamaki Seventh Day Adventist church, and a variety of anonymous donors.

A total of 90 food packs were donated along with Easter eggs, hot cross buns and other food items.

CIA members initially approached several organisations with the project idea two months ago.

“We wanted to do something memorable and remind ourselves of the values of humility, generosity, kindness and lending each other a helping hand,” said Kylie Herman, president of the CIA.

“This is our first (event) and hopefully won’t be the last, we want to do another one or two more this year,” Ms Herman said.

Ricki Aretere, vice president of the CIA, said she hoped the idea would have a “ripple effect” in the community.

“It’s the little things that support us that got us here today . . . What better way to reach out to our wider community.”

The CIA executive team extended their thanks to all those who participated and supported the programme. Future partners include Auckland City Mission and Auckland City Police.