Rotorua's generous locals have outdone themselves, donating more than $55,000 worth of food and cash to the Salvation Army foodbank this Christmas.
By banding together to help families in need, the Rotorua community has raised an astounding $55,562.10 worth of cash, food and gifts to the Sallies as part of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal.
That bettered last year's Christmas Appeal tally by more than $5000.
The campaign has been running since mid-November and has seen hundreds of locals, businesses, clubs, trusts, schools and even preschools get behind it and donate food items and gifts, making it one of the most successful appeals to date.
GENEROUS: Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust chairman Stewart Edward said previous trustees had contributed to the appeal so they decided to follow on the generosity of the trust. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
"There's nothing worse than feeling isolated as an individual and a family when so many other people are enjoying companionship.
"The least the trust can do is give some financial support," he said.
Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Kylie Overbye said the Salvation Army had been so blessed this year.
"We had no idea how well people would respond to the appeal and we actually expected a smaller response this year being new officers and new here.
Salvation Army corps officers Ralph and Kylie Overbye are grateful for Rotorua's help. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
"We were keeping a daily tally of what was coming in to try and gauge how we were tracking. Over the weeks we noticed increased momentum with donations coming in, but this last week has been so incredible. I never imagined we'd get a response like we have. The generosity of Rotorua is seriously amazing.
"This year we as a community have helped provide over 130 families with hampers to enjoy this Christmas to those who might otherwise have missed out. Some of the money people gave for Christmas hampers will also be able to be used next year. The other money will be used for our foodbank to help us keep helping people in need throughout the year.
"We'll be able to buy those items that run out rapidly like baked beans, and spaghetti, but the huge amounts you gave may also mean we could buy items that we don't get much of throughout the year like a bit of meat and frozen veges or sanitary products and toiletries.
"We're so grateful to Rotorua for their continued support of the Salvation Army here in Rotorua. Your support touches the lives of many who often quietly struggle on their own.
"I delivered a hamper and toys to a mother with two young children yesterday. When I turned up at her door, she was overwhelmed at the thought that someone would consider and choose her to receive a hamper. She hugged me as she cried at the relief at what that meant for her and her family this year, and you can't help but get teary yourself when a gesture like this brings new hope to a family like this. It's so special, and makes me appreciate the privilege of working with people in this way," she said.
For the second year in a row the 12-hour Fill the Bus drive led by The Hits 97.5, with support from the Rotorua Daily Post, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Reesby Buses was hugely successful.
The marathon effort ended with more than $8000 worth of items being donated.
Other significant donations to the appeal were made by Scion, Rotorua Lakes Council, Ngongotaha Medical Centre, hygiene company OCS and Cannon NZ, The Mamaku Fire Brigade and Crossfit Rotorua.
NZME Bay of Plenty regional editor Scott Inglis thanked everyone who donated to the campaign.
"The generosity of the local community has been outstanding. Everyone who has donated to the campaign has helped local people who really need some support."
Donations: Money donated: $17,474.10 Items donated: $26,922.00 Fill the Bus items: $8,596 Other donations: $2,580.00
