Impact100 Whakatipu and KiwiHarvest Queenstown celebrate arrival of new truck funded by $100,000 grant

Impact100 Wakatipu and KiwiHarvest Queenstown are thrilled to announce the arrival of a new refrigerated truck, ‘Lola’ made possible by a generous $100,000 grant from Impact100 Wakatipu.

The new vehicle marks a milestone in securing KiwiHarvest’s ability to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste in the Queenstown Lakes District.

KiwiHarvest Queenstown, a local food rescue organisation, collects surplus food from supermarkets, wholesalers, cafes, and restaurants. This food is then redistributed to local charities, providing much-needed support to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

With the new truck, KiwiHarvest will be able to continue its work to collect and deliver food safely and efficiently.

“We are incredibly grateful to Impact100 Wakatipu for their tremendous support,” said KiwiHarvest Queenstown Branch Manager, Gary Hough.

“The truck is central to our operations, and will ensure reliability of food rescue. This grant is a game-changer for our operations and the community we serve, helping reduce both harmful emissions, and food insecurity.”

Impact100 Whakatipu, a collective giving group where at least 100 women donate, or are sponsored to donate, $1,000 annually, is dedicated to funding high-impact community projects.

The $100,000 grant awarded to KiwiHarvest Queenstown underscores local women's commitment to making a tangible difference in the place they live and work.

“We are delighted Lola has arrived, she’s a symbol of the power of collective giving. We know that Lola will have a huge impact, enabling KiwiHarvest to continue to address some challenging issues in our community,” said Impact100 Whakatipu Chairperson, Clare Irons.

“Supporting KiwiHarvest Queenstown aligns perfectly with our mission to be a collective force for good; uniting and empowering women to give together, creating transformational impact here in the Whakatipu.”

The new truck, replaces ‘Lily’, who will be shipped over the hill to service KiwiHarvest Wanaka’s food rescuers, who currently use their own cars to transport food. Lily’s arrival will also enable the Wanaka team to expand their efforts.

Impact100 was set up in 2020 by the Wakatipu Community Foundation and has so far granted $897,500 to the Whakatipu community. As a result of 201 generous women, they have two $100,000 grants available this year to award to charities like KiwiHarvest.

For more information about KiwiHarvest Queenstown and Impact100 Whakatipu, please visit www.kiwiharvest.org.nz and www.impact100wakatipu.org.