Editorial: Rotorua rocks festive appeal

The Rotorua Christmas appeal has been a huge success.

Once again we've had a fantastic response to our Christmas appeal for the Salvation Army food bank.

In the short six weeks the Rotorua Daily Post campaign, run in conjunction with The Hits, has been running Rotorua residents and businesses have given generously to help those less fortunate.

Tomorrow as the appeal wraps up, we will reveal, as we do each Christmas, the extent of that generosity. Although, of course, it's more than just a number.

Everyone who gave to the appeal, whether money or food items, has helped make someone's day, has put food on the table for a family who needs it, and has sent a message that people do care.

Like last year's appeal - when thieves raided the Salvation Army and stole donated food - this year's campaign hasn't been without its challenges.

But that hasn't stopped a huge outpouring of generosity.

Thank you to the Salvation Army for giving us a way to contribute and for putting in the effort and the hours year-round to make a difference.

Thank you to The Hits and the army of volunteers who went door-to-door collecting your donations on the can drive.

Thank you to our reporter and first-time appeal co-ordinator Adriana Weber who has done an amazing job publicising the appeal, encouraging donations and making sure those who could help were able to do so.

But most of all thank you to the Rotorua public, who showed once again that the true spirit of Christmas is well and truly alive and kicking.