The Butcher Lending a Hand for his Community
When Green Bay New World found itself under pressure during a Level 4 lockdown, Aussie Butcher New Lynn’s Reuben Sharples didn’t hesitate to jump in and help. With many of the supermarket’s team forced to self-isolate after the store was named a Covid-19 location of interest, new owner Jamie Brear had empty shelves and too few hands on deck. With his own store unable to open in level 4, Reuben rolled up his sleeves.
Reuben, who is a loyal New World shopper himself, offered to get on the tools and help fill the butchery shelves. “I’m doing this for my locals, my neighbours, my community,” he explained. “It’s nice that the community is gonna be able to come along and purchase some meat that I’ve cut like they would do if they’re shopping in our store.”
For Jamie, the support was a lifeline at a tough moment. “Real generous guy to offer his time to come in here and help us out, especially after we lost a number of staff due to being a location of interest,” he said. “He’s very, very well known in the community around here. Supports a lot of community events, a lot of schools. Reuben you’re a bloody top bloke and we need more people like you in the community to help the world go round. First round’s on me once we get out of this lockdown.”
This story is a reminder that community isn’t about competition, it’s about connection. While the pandemic tested everyone, it also shone a light on the spirit of generosity and collaboration. And as Jamie himself put it, it wasn’t just about filling shelves. It was about showing what’s possible when local businesses look out for one another. “If there’s stock he’s caught with later on, I’ll be buying it off him to make sure we sell it through here. Good quality product he’s got so I’m happy to sell it in my butchery as well.”
In a time of challenge, Green Bay locals were reminded just how lucky they are to have neighbours who don’t just talk about community, they live it.
Want to see how it all unfolded? Watch the Seven Sharp story here:
