Radio 1XX’s Cram the Van has had its most successful year, with a surprise $5000 donation from Fonterra Edgecumbe providing the bow on top.

Gifts and financial donations were distributed to six local charities this week including Koha ki Kawerau, Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust, Have a Heart Charitable Trust, Salvation Army, SPCA and OSCA.

Radio 1XX owner Andy Galbraith said there had been an “amazing reception” to Cram the Van this year.

“All of this will be going towards people really in need this Christmas,” he said.

“It’s sometimes hard to comprehend people are as giving as they are. We all know people have had a hard year, but to still be willing to give so much to people in need, it’s amazing.

Promotions manager Chris Ford said donations had been gathered from across the Eastern Bay, from Ōpōtiki to Kawerau, in rain and shine, over the past month.

“Donations also were rolling in every day into the station,” she said.

Three utes, a trailer, a van, a land cruiser, and a C-HR from sponsor Pacific Toyota were filled to the brim with donations of food, toys, pet food, wrapped gifts and other assorted Christmas goodies.

As part of Fonterra’s Doing Good Together initiative, Fonterra Edgecumbe was the recipient of $5000, which it paid forward as part of the Cram the Van initiative.

Fonterra Edgecumbe site PA Toni Milton presented the cheque as all the sponsors and charity recipients gathered at Pacific Toyota.

Koha ki Kawerau is a first-time recipient of Cram the Van this year and director Rowena Andrews said she was overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.

“This will impact so many lives for those who are under privileged in Kawerau,” she said.

“Cram the Van has allowed us to provide many families this year with gifts and food hampers; what a blessing to be able to give more than we have ever given.”

Whakaata Whanaunga Trust is also a first-time recipient.

Media and communications manager Awhina Kurei said the trust was feeling very blessed and grateful.

Property Brokers manager Kathryn McKay said this was the second year the business had sponsored Cram the Van.

“Last year was our first opportunity to support it directly, and we were in, boots and all. We will be there again next year,” she said.

She said they promoted the cause to landlords, purchasers and sellers, and were collecting donations for three weeks through December from staff, family members and clients.

“It’s a thrill on the day. It’s great to come here and see the full collection, and it will make a huge difference to so many.”