Archdeacon Bernard Wilkinson was farewelled on Friday by his volunteer foodbank colleagues after 30 years’ involvement.
He paid tribute to the energy and dedication of many foodbank volunteers as something to behold - all to serve a real community need.
"I’ve been manager for 12 years - I’ve had a wonderful staff", he said at his farewell function.
"They all pull their weight - they all take a turn."
On any given Friday, the foodbank’s headquarters would be abuzz as its volunteers took care of business. This included a person on reception, another interviewing to assess need, a couple of packers and another pair filling shelves, as well as the volunteer drivers picking up and delivering.
"Anything we need, we’ve got it."
In the early 1990s, the now retired St Luke’s Anglican Church vicar with other Oamaru church leaders saw the need for a foodbank.
It came at a time when the need for emergency food provision had quickly emerged across the country.
Mr Wilkinson said it had grown in an unbelievable way.
At its core was the always generous support of the Oamaru and wider North Otago community.
"The public support is huge. We have never ever had an appeal for funds but yet we’re very well supplied with cash", he said.
"The public support in terms of foodstuffs is very good."
Oamaru service group contribution, like the Lions’ annual Toot for Tucker from Palmerston to Omarama, in December, kept the foodbank topped up when it needed it the most.
"The quality is unbelievable", Mr Wilkinson said of the contributions.
They also took an holistic approach to ensure food parcels were matched to fulfil specific need.
"We’re different from other foodbanks."
This was because the Oamaru Combined Churches Foodbank had a sit-down with customers about their needs to customise a fitting response.
Mr Wilkinson said his retirement as manager, with Sharon Kingan stepping up, did not mean he was putting his feet up.
While the nonagenerian put his resignation in "some time ago" he would remain involved.
"I hope so, to keep contact. I will take my turn on the fifth Friday of the month."
And his pastoral commitment, to the community where he was born, was also still a constant.
After leaving Oamaru at the age of 5, Mr Wilkinson returned in 1976 as the full-time Anglican pastor and remained as vicar for many years.
He described his innings as "pretty lucky" and the fact he was still able to serve was something to be grateful for.
"I play the organ for them every Sunday. I don’t take many services - I’m 94 now."
