Tawa charity’s support growing
Tracy Wellington and Phil Davies are busy, busy, busy.
The founders of charity Kiwi Community Assistance have a new van and new premises in Tawa to house hundreds of boxes of shoes, clothing, toys, food, furniture and even whiteware for needy families.
After humble beginnings two years ago, when they ran Kiwi Community Assistance out of their home, it’s been a steady rise for the couple.
Last week, Hubbards announced them as an Amazing Hero and gave them $5000.
Kiwi Community Assistance will go against two other Hubbards Heroes to earn money from a kitty created from the sale of Hubbards muesli.
‘‘We really need people to vote for us,’’ Ms Wellington said.
Since December, Kiwi Community Assistance has been based in a previously vacant building in Tawa, as its need to use more than just storage units has grown.
The organisation distributes to Wesley Community Action, Porirua Women’s Refuge, Supergrans and Capital & Coast District Health Board, among other groups.
It is giving out 400 banana boxes of goods a month.
In 2013, Kiwi Community Assistance distributed 3275 boxes of food and 2945 boxes of clothing and toys.
Ms Wellington said there was a need for school shoes at the moment, with school starting.
‘‘We’re unbelievably busy and it shows there is need. We’re doing what we can to help and people are being so generous, supporting others less fortunate,’’ she said.
She said Hubbards was very generous and its support, along with other sponsors, was crucial.
Kelly Belch, co-owner of Johnsonville Auto Repairs, said she wanted to make a cash donation to Kiwi Community Assistance, but a better solution was found – the charity’s van will be serviced free by her business.
Wasabi Air, Tommy’s, Dobbins Office Furniture and Rotary are among sponsors.