Fire and Emergency NZ, Police and Hato Hone St John are ready to receive Bay of Plenty residents' generosity during the annual food bank drive 2023.

December will be busy for everyone this year and that is why we will do the annual collection early this year, says FENZ volunteer Robert Pinkerton.

“This year we will be doing our collection a week earlier than other years, so we want people to save on their calendars, Tuesday, November 28, Emergency Services Food Bank Drive.

“We will be also collecting at Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Maketu, Mt Maunganui, The Lakes, and from 11 to 22 avenues in Tauranga.”

On this day, fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles will be blaring their sirens to indicate the presence in the neighbourhoods.

According to Robert, more than 15 emergency vehicles will be involved in the collection day.

“We just hope to receive as much help as we can from the people like the past years, we know there are a lot of families that day by day struggle to keep a meal on their tables.”

Is not just about the food collection, says Robert.

“We enjoy watching the people getting along to support all these causes, some of them end up walking with all the volunteers behind the emergency cars which is truly moving.”

The Emergency Services Food Bank Drive will start at 5.30pm and will go to 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 28.