A longstanding relationship between Ebbett Automotive and the Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank Trust has taken a significant new step, with the delivery of a brand new Foton refrigeration truck to support the Foodbank’s growing work in the community.

For nearly 17 years, Ebbett has supported the Foodbank’s mission by the gifting and maintaining of a Volkswagen Transporter van used to deliver food parcels, collect donations, and assist with grocery runs. This latest sponsorship, a refrigerated Foton truck, fitted out specifically for the Foodbank’s unique needs, represents a major uplift in capability, allowing the charity to safely transport perishable goods, especially meat and chicken.

The need for a refrigerated vehicle arose when the Foodbank sought to improve compliance with food safety regulations and expand the types of food that they are able to offer to the needy in our community.

When the call came in, Ebbett Automotive’s Chairman, Ben van den Engel, didn’t hesitate. A meeting was quickly arranged with Debbie Wilson, Manager of the Foodbank, and Scott Tiffany, Chairperson. The team at Ebbett, along with Roger Jory, CEO of Foton Trucks New Zealand, worked together to supply a refrigerated truck, fully fitted out with shelving.

The truck was handed over this week, fully sign written and ready for the road.

“We’re deeply grateful,” said Debbie Wilson. “Ebbett has been a consistent and generous supporter for many years, and this truck is so much more than we could ever have hoped for. The racking system means we can now sort food parcels by centre, and the refrigeration allows us to transport perishables safely, even in summer heat. We’re overwhelmed.”

“This support goes far beyond what we imagined,” added Scott Tiffany. “It enables us to serve vulnerable families in our community with greater efficiency and care. We simply cannot thank the team at Ebbett and Foton enough.”

For Ben van den Engel, the decision to support the Foodbank came naturally.

“At Ebbett, we believe in supporting good people doing good work,” Ben said. “The Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank Trust has been serving this community faithfully for a long time, and we’ve been proud to walk alongside them. This truck is just another way we can help them carry their mission further – quite literally.”

The truck project was a collaboration between Ebbett Automotive, Foton Truck NZ, and Birkett Motor Bodies who designed and completed the custom fit-out.

As the Foodbank team prepares for their busiest seasons ahead, the new refrigerated truck will help ensure food parcels arrive safely, sorted, and ready for distribution, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless families throughout Hamilton.