Pick up any newspaper or listen to any radio or TV news programme, and there’s likely to be some reference to the spiraling cost of groceries.
Our amazing staff are just as impacted by this as anyone. So, in an effort to help, ‘Cheryl’s Swap Shop’ has set up behind our Staff Room and is already doing a roaring trade – particularly in fruit and vegetables.
Set up by our operations support manager Cheryl Silich, the swap shop makes it easier – and cheaper – for staff to trade produce they have for food items that they need.
Cheryl is quick to point out that staff don’t actually need to contribute in order to benefit from the outlet.
“We’ve been very clear that the swap shop operates on a ‘needs’ basis – if one of our staff is at the end of a shift and is stressing about what to feed whānau that evening, and there is something at the swap shop that will help make this less of a challenge, they’re welcome to help themselves,” she said.
“The idea is that this is a way for those with surplus produce to get it to those who may need it.”
Cheryl says the swap shop has been well stocked by both staff and residents - particularly those with gardens - who have been keen to help out with things like eggs, fruit and veggies. “The level of generosity is amazing,” Cheryl said. “One of the Friends of the Village donated a whole lot of groceries and some honey.”
With the large number of colds going around, citrus and honey is in great demand. The Village put out a plea on Facebook for honey and Kapai Honey in Ohaeawai responded by donating two kilos.
“We’re absolutely stoked by the success of the swap shop,” Cheryl said. “Although the shop is aimed at staff we’d be delighted to accept donations from anyone in the community who might have a little extra of something to spare. It will be hugely appreciated and we can guarantee it will go to a deserving family.”
