Supporting connection and community in Rotorua
Every Wednesday morning, the doors of St John’s Presbyterian Church on the corner of Victoria and Ranolf Streets open to a steady stream of people seeking more than just food.
Some come for practical support. Others come for conversation, connection or simply a warm, welcoming place to sit for a while.
For Community Café & Foodbank coordinator Anna White, who has been involved with the service for 17 years, those human connections are at the heart of everything the team does.
“People often think it’s just about food parcels, but for many people it’s also about having somewhere safe and welcoming to go,” Anna says.
There are weeks when the foodbank supports more than 60 households.
Kaingaroa Tipu is proud to be among sponsors of the Rotorua St John’s Community Café & Foodbank and contribute funding towards operational costs so it can continue to provide meaningful community support.
General Manager Sustainability Colin Maunder says the service has a lasting impact on the people it serves.
“As a Rotorua-based business and local employer, we see this sponsorship as part of our commitment to the wellbeing of local communities."
“The St John’s team creates a place where people feel welcomed, listened to and connected with others during difficult times. That sense of dignity, care and community is incredibly important.”
Anna says many of the people who visit are living on fixed or limited incomes and are increasingly feeling the pressure of rising living costs.
“The reality is that for many households, their income doesn’t increase when fuel prices or grocery prices go up,” she says.
“We’re seeing more people having to seek help just to get through.”
Alongside families and regular attendees, the service also supports people who may be experiencing isolation or major life changes, including some recently returned to New Zealand from overseas with very limited support networks.
For many visitors, the Wednesday morning café has become an important place of belonging.
When the doors open each week, people gather around the same tables, reconnect with friends and settle into routines that have become meaningful parts of their week.
“You see people checking in on each other, sharing stories and supporting one another through tough situations.”
Fundraiser Christian Pilaar says sponsorship from commercial organisations is becoming increasingly important as demand continues to rise while traditional community funding sources become more stretched.
“Partnerships with organisations like Kaingaroa Tipu make a real difference,” Christian says. “This support gives us certainty that we can keep supporting people.”
The service needs up to $35,000 each year to operate, with volunteers carefully stretching every dollar to meet growing demand.
At the same time, Anna says the contents of food parcels have had to become more basic as the number of people needing help continues to increase.
“Our parcels aren’t filled with luxury items,” she says.
“They’re the essentials, and if people are continuing to come back for those basics, that tells you the need is genuine.”
Despite the growing challenges, the heart of the service remains unchanged.
“It’s about making sure people know they’re welcome here and that’s made possible through support from our donors and sponsors like Kaingaroa Tipu,” Anna says.