The Tauranga Community Foodbank received a substantial donation from Trustpower after a very successful charity fundraiser on Friday night.

Seventy-six local businesses contributed prizes and services for the auctions and raffle, which raised close to $9000 for the foodbank which is located on Brook Street in Parkvale.

The fundraising event came about because of the experience of one Trustpower staff member who found himself relying on the foodbank for a period in order to feed his family.

Telesales team member Hamish Nairn is a father of six and when his youngest son became seriously ill, his wife had to forgo work in order to care for him. As a result, her earning ability disappeared.

'We found by the time basic expenses were paid, food was coming a distant second,” says Hamish.

'So we lived off of the foodbank for a bit.”

As a result, it's become a charity that's very close to his heart and Hamish wants people to both support it and use the foodbank if they need to.

'Many people have a stigma about going to the foodbank and pride stops them from using the service. But people from all walks of life can need it. If we can get one family to get over their pride and get down there to get food, then we've done something good.”

His team leader Paula Schlegel agrees.

'There was a time in my life when I came very close to needing the foodbank, but I was lucky enough to have family and friends who could assist me. Not everyone has that option.

'But I do remember how humbling I felt to be in that position, and how difficult it can be to ask for help. What's great is there's no judgement from the foodbank. You ask for help, they help you.”

She's been the main driving force behind the fundraiser and admits it's been an addictive process getting together so many local businesses to provide support however they can.

Raffle prizes included a family pass to Classic Flyers Museum, vouchers from Subway, and a week of free coffee from local cafes.

Some of items for auction included a glider flight, two months of crossfit, a 'special night away” at Hotel on Devonport, and priceless Oklahoma City Thunder singlet signed by Steven Adams.

The evening's auctioneer was Frank Vosper of Vosper Realty who was ably assisted by his son Kirk.

Tauranga Community Foodbank chairwoman Sharon Hitchcock accepted the giant Westpac cheque at the end of the night, thanking all those involved for their incredible generosity and the effort that had gone in to making the night a success.

Auctioneers extraordinaire Kirk and Frank Vospe.