Christmas appeal brings community together

Senior Constable Viv Sutton unloads food for the Christmas Appeal. Photo / Stephen Parker

Almost half way through this year's Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal and the donations have been overwhelming.

Not only have companies donated truckloads of goodies but members of the public have dropped their cans and other non-perishables into the dozens of collection boxes around the city.

There are already stacks of tins, boxes of toys and mounds of nappies sitting in the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal workshop, where goods are being stored.

To date the Salvation Army has raised about $3200 worth of donations as well as what the Rotorua police had collected, which was yet to be counted.

Last year the Christmas Appeal collected $55,000 worth of food, cash and gifts.

Salvation Army Rotorua Lieutenant Kylie Overbye is confident that can be beaten, with four more weeks and Fill the Bus still to go.

"We are delighted at the enthusiasm seen from the community so far," she said.

"We're seeing some great ideas flowing in through local businesses, and then there are individuals, families and community groups all doing their bit as well."

Some of the donations received included an array of Christmas trees and decorations, more than 20 brand new basket, rugby and soccer balls and an entire trailerload of food.

"This appeal brings the community together in a very special way. It's a wonderful tradition Rotorua has.

"We are blessed to be a part of this appeal, and ensuring the donations go to the families who need it most."

This year's Fill the Bus 12-hour food drive, led by The Hits, with support from the Rotorua Daily Post, will take place this Wednesday, December 6.

It will stop in at 16 locations, including schools, supermarkets and local businesses over the 12 hours it is on the road.

The confirmed schedule will be released soon and will be published in the Rotorua Daily Post and at rotoruadailypost.co.nz.

Where will the bus be stopping
Kawaha Point Primary
Western Heights Primary
Otonga School
Malfroy School
Pak'nSave
Countdown Fenton St
New World Westend
Countdown Fairy Springs
Rotorua Lakes Council
Mitre 10 Mega
Department of Corrections
Sport BOP
The Warehouse
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Countdown Central Mall
Artisan Cafe