1535 days ago

South Auckland man delivers 33,000 food parcels to Covid-19-impacted families

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

A Mangere resident has delivered thousands of food parcels to aid struggling families in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Darryl Vincent Evans, 56, is the chief executive of the Mangere Budgeting Services Trust in south Auckland, which has an in-house food bank.

Evans provided 23,000 food parcels to families and vulnerable pensioners during the first lockdown.

Across the whole of 2020 his organisation has delivered 33,000 food parcels across south Auckland.

Evans said the level of need “grew exponentially” throughout lockdown.

“We went from an organisation delivering 200 to 300 parcels a week, to providing 2850 in our busiest week,” he said.

Evans is a finalist in the Westfield Local Heroes competition, an annual event that awards $10,000 grants to community heroes.

Evans said he is “overwhelmed” to be nominated.

“The purpose of our organisation is to ensure every family have food on the table, and every family has access to essential wrap around services,” he said.

Winners are decided by a popular vote, and Evans said he would put the money towards a second food bank van.

The voting period for Westfield Local Heroes opened on Tuesday 25 August and closes on Monday 14 September.

To view finalists and cast your vote visit www.westfield.com.au...

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More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Spring gardening tips

Bruce McLaren Retirement Village

Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.

Click read more for more information.

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1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84% Yes
    84% Complete
  • 14.7% No
    14.7% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
837 votes
4 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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