(Left) Jacqui Arstall and Natasha Cooper from the Rotorua branch of Ministry of Social Development. Photo/Ben Fraser
(Left) Jacqui Arstall and Natasha Cooper from the Rotorua branch of Ministry of Social Development. Photo/Ben Fraser
Rotorua Salvation Army says agencies who have provided their ongoing support for the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal are "amazing".
Until December 22, the Rotorua Daily Post, in conjunction with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM, is seeking non-perishable food donations to help the foodbank continue its good work throughout the Christmas period and into 2018.
Jacqui Arstall, Rotorua Community Link Branch manager, says this will be the sixth year Work and Income Rotorua has given to the Christmas Appeal.
"Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some families and The Salvation Army do a great job helping those in need - we just want to help as much as we can."
She says the Salvation Army tell them ahead of time what they need and their staff will provide those items.
"We appreciate any support we can get but to have agencies such as MSD (Ministry of Social Development) leading the way to provide us with this kind of ongoing support is simply amazing."
He says the first week of the appeal has been great, with wonderful donations from companies supplying items in bulk.
One woman has donated two Christmas trees and baubles so that a couple of families will be able to have the experience of putting them up together.
Ralph says non-perishable food items, such as tinned goods, cereal, rice and pasta are what keeps the foodbank doors open throughout the year.
However, in the Christmas Aroha Hampers they will be giving out, in conjunction with the police, they would like to include items families would not normally be able to buy in order to spread some Christmas cheer.
He says this could include things like Christmas puddings, fruit mince pies and Christmas crackers.
"This appeal is so important because we, as a community, are given the tremendous privilege of showing our care for those less fortunate than ourselves in practical ways.
"We want people to be able to celebrate what should be a joyous occasion without the added burden of unneeded financial hardship.
"For people who are already struggling, especially families, Christmas can be extra hard.
"With the appeal we have the opportunity to help them enjoy the same special day we get to, and help them transform their lives in the long-term."
