Charity there to pick your unwanted citrus fruit for those in need

Trees around Auckland are laden with citrus fruit and Community Fruit Harvesting wants to remind owners of trees with unwanted fruit that they are available to pick the fruit and give it to charity.

The group collects fruit that would otherwise go to waste and gives fresh produce and preserves to charities who share it with people in need.

“I believe we are in for a bumper citrus season,” says Di Celliers, Community Fruit Harvesting Co-ordinator for Auckland. “Mandarins, oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are ready to be picked. Some are already dropping from the trees.

“The vitamin C from the citrus fruit is so good to help prevent colds and flu and help those that are ill to recover more quickly. Each bag of citrus we can distribute to those in need is incredibly helpful.”

The group has a new website (www.pickfruit.co.nz) which makes it easy for people to offer their fruit tree, volunteer to pick fruit or make jam or co-ordinate fruit picking in their area.

Recently Community Fruit Harvesting Auckland held a successful marmalade and lemon curd making demo and will hold more during the year if there is interest.

“This is a great opportunity to learn a new skill and be able to give back,” says Di. “This could be by donating some of what you make to charity or your local retirement village, giving a batch to help raise funds at your next school gala or making presents for presents for teachers, friends and family. Many schools also run breakfast clubs and really appreciate a jar or two of homemade jam.”

People with a fruit tree available for picking or who want to volunteer to pick fruit or make jam can visit www.pickfruit.co.nz.

Grant Celliers with a grapefruit harvest reduced

ENDS

© Scoop Media