Community
Awarua Synergy has been collecting donations during July for their ‘Winter Warmer Donation Drive’ in support of Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu’s charitable food bank helping whanau in need during tough times.
Last year, the team at Awarua Synergy helped Ngā Kete with the launch of their food bank, Pātaka Oranga, and were keen to help out again this year, even reaching out to their suppliers and the wider community for donations.
Awarua Synergy General Manager Sumaria Beaton they were really supportive of the foodbank and wanted to make a contribution to the cause.
“Helping people stay warm is at the core of what we do. Energy hardship is an ongoing issue facing many New Zealanders. Our small contribution to our local Ngā Kete team is the least we can do to try and help relieve whanau of energy hardship,” she said.
The team have received awesome donations from businesses and members of the public such as blankets, pyjamas, hot water bottles, hot chocolate, bed socks and beanies, she said.
“Ngā Kete highly value the efforts of Awarua Synergy and applaud the compassion and positive contribution extended in manaaki to our work, benefiting the people of Southland – stronger, together,” Ngā Kete CEO Tracey Wright-Tawha said.
A recent Otago University study says one in five New Zealand families have experienced energy poverty, which is when 10 per cent or more of their household income is spent on energy. Charitable Trusts are crucial in assisting families in need across New Zealand during winter months.
Awarua Synergy are Southland experts in helping families, businesses and farms find energy efficiency solutions, and offer free home energy assessments with a key focus on Insulation and Heating.
The Invercargill-based company has insulated more than 7000 Southland homes since 2004.