Christmas appeal donations impresses Rotorua cafe owner

A Rotorua cafe owner has had her socks blown off by the generosity of customers and suppliers to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal.

Scope Cafe owner Dana Symons said the cafe's Bidfood Rotorua, Altura Coffee Company and Meadow Fresh suppliers had contributed and supported it with the appeal.

She said customers had also been amazing.

Symons said the cafe started collecting food items for the appeal at the beginning of last week and they would be going until the appeal ended on December 22.

This year's appeal, run with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM, is collecting non-perishable food items to help the Rotorua Salvation Army foodbank.

Last Wednesday, any customers who brought in non-perishable food to Scope Cafe got a free coffee.

Symons said she thought people got a bit overwhelmed with "give me, give me" at this time of year, so it was nice getting a free coffee in return for giving.

Photo/File

Symons said a massive thank you to those who had contributed - "and keep it coming".

One customer had made up a bunch of sweet packs for children.

"I love it. It's just a really fuzzy, good feeling."

Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Ralph Overbye said it was awesome to see all the items which had been donated to the appeal through Scope Cafe.

He said 366 items were picked up from there on Friday morning.

"We are blown away by the generosity of Scope, and their suppliers and customers who have all got involved.

"It's been done really well."