Rotorua Christmas Appeal: Can rides hard ahead of Christmas

The collection is being conducted in conjunction with the Rotorua Daily Post 2024 Christmas Appeal.

The six-week appeal, supported by The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM, began on November 9.

The annual event aims to collect donations of food and money to help fill the food bank’s shelves, helping the Salvation Army’s work over Christmas and next year. The food bank values ​​produce collected during the appeal at $2.50 each.

This year, the Greers said they were excited about the store’s Wednesday fundraiser, which they believe has rekindled their passion for giving.

“Poverty doesn’t rest and poverty doesn’t go on holiday – often in these times even children probably notice it more.

“For us it’s a community thing, we love the whole atmosphere, so when everyone comes it’s a chaotic day, but every year it’s a fun day.

“I used to be a Christmas madman! For about a month before, it was all about Christmas, but now not so much,” Dana said.

She said regular Scope customers had been asking when canned coffee would be available and were excited to get involved in the cause.

“They are already putting everything aside and getting ready to come and do it.”

Both owners were proud that their suppliers joined them in the collection.

“Altura always comes on board and gives us bags of coffee to use during the day, and Goodman Fielder shows up with a case of milk and things like that,” Steve said.

“Bidfood Rotorua always delivers a few boxes of food,” Dana said.

She looked forward to visits from students from Saint Mary’s and Lynmore schools, who had traded a few coffees for a box of cans in the past.

“Of course you can come with a box and we will take care of you.”

Dana said the fundraiser wasn’t just about trading coffee for a can, but rather about “feeling it.”

“People want to help and, honestly, most people say, ‘don’t worry about the coffee,’ but we want to make the coffee,” Dana said.

Meanwhile, on Monday evening, the Ngongotahā Volunteer Fire Department will be organizing a can drive at the Ngongotahā Fire Station.

Starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m., Salvation Army volunteers will “deploy vehicles and Fenz members.”

Station Officer Lance Taylor said the can drive was an event the brigade took part in every year before Christmas.

“The Salvation Army has a huge mandate to support the community and surrounding areas. With Christmas quickly approaching, the drive-thru on Monday evening will help The Salvation Army help those in our community who need help most,” Taylor said.

“Thank you to the Ngongotahā community for donating undamaged cans and dried products. Your generosity helps feed families across the city.”

Taylor said if anyone “hasn’t had the opportunity to donate, please go to the Ngongotahā Fire Department Facebook page and leave a message or drop it off at the Salvation Army building in Rotorua.”

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has praised the Salvation Army for “doing an amazing job”.

“They deserve our support through our annual Christmas Appeal.

“This year has been a difficult year for many local residents and I encourage everyone who can to donate a few cans and other food to help,” McClay said.

“I have numerous public and party events coming up and I will be collecting food donations. As in other years, voters should feel free to drop any donations they wish to make into my Eelectorate office in Rotorua and we will ensure they reach the Salvation Army in time for Christmas.”

Aleyna Martinez is a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty. She moved to the region in 2024 and previously reported for Wairarapa and the Pacific Media Network.