Rotorua cafe serves up charity boost

Life Education Rotorua Trust vice-chairman Martyn Craven appreciates all the support from local businesses. Photo / Ben Fraser

Election day profits will be handed to trust

A local cafe is planning to take advantage of the big crowds on election day, donating its day's profit to charity.

Fat Dog Cafe has committed itself for the sixth year to donate its takings on September 20 to the Life Education Rotorua Trust.

Life Education Rotorua is a charity that provides children with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health, respect others and learn to appreciate their uniqueness.

Nationwide, the travelling classrooms and mascot Harold the Giraffe reach 245,000 primary and intermediate children every year.

Life Education Rotorua Trust vice-chairman Martyn Craven said they were grateful for the generosity of local businesses.

"The Fat Dog Cafe have been supporting us for six years now and on average they donate $10,000 a year. That's nearly 10 per cent of our annual running costs, so their support is huge to us and we want them to get the recognition they deserve."

Mr Craven said locally it cost about $125,000 a year to run the programme.

"We have no direct provision of funds, so our whole budget needs to be raised through community funding and applying for grants."

Mr Craven said this year the Rotorua branch "put their hands up" to get $40,000 worth of upgrades to its portable classroom.

Leading up to election day, patrons of the cafe can mention their support for the Life Education Trust and their school to go in the draw to win a $500 iTunes voucher.

In addition, the cost of their meal will be donated to the trust.

Patrons can pre-purchase brunch tickets for September 20 for a discounted price.

Tickets can be bought from TelferYoung at 1180 Lake Rd on (07) 348 1059 or Take a Look at 1139 Pukuatua St, (021) 812 611.