At this time of year, it’s all about the citrus but she has also seen large amounts of feijoas, tomatoes and plums in season. “I imagine there are homeowners or people in flats – senior citizens or those working long hours – who may not be able, or want to, use all their fruit,” Kayleen says. “It’s a shame to see it go to waste and I saw a need for a new service.
” Kayleen and her 18-year-old son Vincent are setting up The Pickers, a volunteer group offering to collect excess fruit, vegetables or flowers and, where needed, pick (from ground level). The Pickers will redistribute the produce to local foodbanks, community groups and churches. Kayleen runs a boutique recruitment agency, and realises the importance of safety when having people visit your property.
She will be setting up a secure system so people who book a collection or pick, can be confident that it’s a volunteer from The Pickers who will visit. “Initially it will be myself and Vincent, but I will be very careful about who else volunteers for us,” Kayleen says. It’s early days, so at this stage The Pickers are looking for interest from people with excess fruit, vegetables or flowers that they would like to give away.
She says it might also be a good service for landlords, to help keep their property tidy and the trees healthy. Info: , phone Kayleen 027 647 5000, or email.
