Council helps locals celebrate festive season

Salvation Army Rotorua officers Kylie Overbye and Ralph Overbye are hoping to see their food bank restocked during this year's Christmas Appeal. Photo/File

Rotorua Lakes Council is getting behind an appeal to help improve the festive season for people who may otherwise miss out.

This year's Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal, run in conjunction with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5, is collecting non-perishable food and cash donations for the Salvation Army Foodbank.

Reade Nikora, Safer Journeys co-ordinator, Infrastructure Group, says last year the council contributed to the appeal by having a donation box in its reception area, where staff and visitors could donate.

Photo/File

He says the council was also one of the collection stops for the Fill the Bus promotion that was part of the Rotorua Daily Post appeal, and at last year's lighting of the Rotorua inner city Christmas tree people were encouraged to bring along a can.

Reade says this year the council has partnered with Rotorua police to seek donations for Salvation Army hampers to be delivered to local households, and is encouraging staff to donate non-perishables, toys and toiletries.

"At this time of year it's important that others don't miss out.

"Council promotes and supports community driven appeals that improve the festive time for our residents who may otherwise miss out, especially our tamariki.

"We've encouraged staff to take part in giving back."