Rotorua police back Christmas Appeal

Sergeant Lehi Hohaia and Constable Peter Rameka with donations made by the Rotorua police and Bay of Plenty Police District Headquarters staff. Photo/Stephen Parker.

Helping the community is what the Rotorua police is all about, so when the opportunity came up to give to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal there was an overwhelming response.

The Rotorua police, along with the Bay of Plenty Police district headquarters, raised $450 in donations to the Salvation Army foodbank with staff across all sections giving generously.

"It feels good to help, there's a lot of mana in it," said Constable Peter Rameka, from the Western Heights neighbourhood policing team.

"In our job we come across lots of families who are struggling and this is a good example of how we can help out our community."

The police station's offering includes pasta and rice, giant sized tins of coffee and Milo as well as tins of fruit, baked beans and tuna.

There were also breakfast cereals and noodles.

"We jumped at the chance to be able to help and give something. Everyone in the police station comes from a family and we all know of a family that has struggled, either personally or in the job."

Rotorua police Acting Area Commander Inspector Tim Anderson said Christmas was a time of thinking of others less fortunate as well as the volunteers who helped.

"By doing this we're helping families who maybe struggling, but also the Salvation Army."

"They do a lot of wonderful work in the community in terms of volunteering their time and effort. We deal with some pretty challenging people from time to time and see families who might need some assistance and we're happy to provide that.

"Everyone was happy to give something."

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 weekdays. People can donate money or non-perishable food. Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community House on Haupapa St. If your school, church, business, organisation or you as an individual are organising a can drive or fundraising event, let us know by contacting reporter Mike Watson, phone (07) 348 6199 ext 57049, or email mike.watson@dailypost.co.nz.