The hard, hot work of a group of Lions chopping up firewood this year has turned into a $3000 boost for the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal.

The six-week appeal launched on November 15 and aims to help fill the Tauranga Community Foodbank’s shelves for the busy holiday period and heading into 2026.

On Tuesday, December 2, a group of Tauranga City Sunrise Lions gathered at their Greerton firewood yard to gift a $3000 cheque to the foodbank’s Jordy Gastmeier for the appeal.

The Lions’ firewood mission makes the most of a donated natural resource – chopping it up and selling a low-cost firewood option to the community.

In turn funds raised are gifted to charities and community organisations around the Bay of Plenty.

Acting chairman Martin Jacobsen said a core group of Tauranga City Sunrise Lions had worked hard all year – and were pleased to be able to donate $3000 to the BOP Times Foodbank Appeal. “Our firewood sales have enabled us to help the needy people of Tauranga,” he said.

Ken Evans, who organises the club’s firewood operation, encouraged those felling trees on their properties this summer to consider donating the wood for the good of the community.

If people want to stock up on firewood ahead of next winter, they can contact Ken too. For more information, call 0800 546 679 or visit: sunriselions.co.nz

For those who would like to donate to Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal, visit: taurangafoodbank.co.nz