Editorial: Locals need your help this Christmas

Kim Gillespie

Rotorua locals are an amazing bunch - but it's especially evident at this time of year.

Every year around November we launch the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal, and every year we're proud and amazed to reveal the ever-growing extent of your generosity.

At a frantic time when there are so many things competing for your time and attention, it's heartening to see so many give so much for those less fortunate.

Once again we've chosen the Salvation Army Foodbank as the recipient for our Christmas Appeal - run this year in conjunction with the Rotorua Weekender and our friends at The Hits.

There are so many worthy causes helping those less fortunate in our community - it would be fantastic, but impossible, to help them all.

As we've reported today, the Salvation Army provides a huge amount of food and assistance to hundreds of people and families across the Rotorua district.

This year, they've already helped people with food nearly 2500 times.

This was done with your help - last year's Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal raised more than $76,000 in food items and cash for the foodbank.

In an ideal world, the foodbank wouldn't exist, but there is a clear need in this community and we're driven to do our bit to help, with your assistance.

So many locals, businesses and organisations get behind our appeal every year - this year we'd love to see you do so again, whether by giving directly or by organising your own fundraising efforts.

Donations to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army foodbank can be made at our Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm on weekdays.

People can donate money or non-perishable food. Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House on Haupapa St.

If any organisations, schools or individuals are organising a can drive or fundraising event, please contact reporter Adriana Weber. Call (07) 343 6897 or email adriana.weber@dailypost.co.nz.