Caring For The Community In Titahi Bay

Titahi Bay’s Fruit and Vegetable Co-Op was overwhelmed by support on it’s final day of running before lockdown. Under the Alert Level 3 restrictions, most of the regular volunteers couldn’t attend, being aged over 70. But a quick callout for help on the Co-Op’s Facebook page resulted in almost 20 people coming to their aid. “We had to turn people away”, said Rev. Casey Lee, who was touched by the response of the community. “It was really encouraging that the community stepped forward to help.”

The Co-Op works out of St. Matthew’s church, which Rev. Casey leads, along with the Co-Priest Rev. Carmen Yeoh and David Bradley from the Brethren Church. The Co-Op’s volunteer base mostly consists of people from their congregations and others from the neighbourhood. The Co-Op provides affordable fruit and vegetables to families, and is part of a wider movement throughout Aotearoa.

The produce is bought in bulk, then sorted and packed by volunteers. Buyers pay $12 for a bag of produce; the same amount is estimated to cost $20 at a supermarket. On its last packing day before lockdown — March 24th — the Co-Op worked hard to help the community stock up on fruits and veggies. Titahi Bay’s Co-Op began five years ago, and has had strong community input from the beginning. It is now the main packing hub for local collection and also delivers to collection centres in Pukerua Bay, Porirua, Tawa and Newlands. “It’s grown into a really special caring community. People love to lend a helping hand,” said Lee.

By Tessa Guest