Pulling together for better communities
The team at the newest supermarket in town sure does get a buzz when they can play a part in helping people succeed.
The owners of FreshChoice Epsom, Juliet Monaghan and Chris Harris, were stoked when they heard rowers at Epsom Girls Grammar achieved outstanding results at the 2022 Maadi Cup.
The U18 four won bronze in the A final and the U18 eight won the B final, earning the crew a top 10 badge at the legendary school sports event. Within the team, Jessica Mabey was selected to trial for U19 Rowing New Zealand squad for 2022.
“In a small way we could help the young rowers achieve their goals by providing a fundraising opportunity for them,” says Juliet.
“We didn’t do the hard training the girls did, but we do completely understand how their discipline, focus and fortitude paid off.”
The Epsom girls’ southern counterparts had months to train, some teams even preparing at the venue – Lake Ruataniwha at Twizel, while they spent months in lockdown.
The Epsom girls say everyone should join rowing because they feel like they are part of a big supportive family, and they push themselves – even when Covid meant they trained alone.
Epsom Girls Grammar rowing club president, Chrissy Smith says, Covid cancelled most of the season racing for Auckland rowers, and prior to the Maadi Cup the girls had only competed in three races.
“Each season every team member needs to raise $1500 to cover the some of the cost of training and competing, often travelling to Lake Karapiro, as well as the Maadi Cup venue,” says Chrissy.
“We start with a learn to row programme, one commencing soon. The rowing club always operates at a loss and all fundraising support is welcomed.”
Earlier this year, FreshChoice Epsom donated a gourmet gift hamper to the rowing squad, which they could use to raise funds.
Covid cancelled the planned event however, they ran a silent auction and the money was a valuable contribution to support Epsom Girls Grammar rowing. For years, Juliet and Chris have donated to community projects at their other supermarket, FreshChoice Half Moon Bay.
They were impressed by the rowing squad’s Japanese philosophy, kaizen, to continuously make small improvements across their entire team. “Sure – we are a supermarket, but we’re also part of the neighbourhood and we love doing our bit to help the locals continuously make small improvements for their not-for-profit groups,” says Juliet.
“The lead up to opening FreshChoice Epsom during Covid was unlike any other supermarket opening and we completely relate to the difficulties experienced by charitable organisations.”
Staff at the supermarket located at Alexandra Park get the feel-good factor when they know every task they do during their work day helps others, beyond those popping in to buy their groceries.
Since opening the supermarket doors last year, FreshChoice Epsom has donated nine gift hampers to local kindergartens, the Gut Cancer Foundation, Cornwall Cricket Club, Mt Roskill Rugby Football juniors, and Combined Probus Epsom.
That’s a whole lot of support for people young and old, as well as the inspirational Epsom Girls Grammar rowing club.