War veteran devotes years to CCF fundraising

At 90 years old Tom Cunningham would be entitled to put his feet up but the Katikati man is busier than many people half his age.
Mr Cunningham's passion is his community and one of the causes closest to his heart is the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF).
For at least a decade - he's not sure how long exactly - Mr Cunningham has been involved in raising money in Katikati for the organisation's annual appeal.
It's his job to commandeer volunteers to collect at two locations in the Western Bay town.
The World War II veteran became involved with CCF through the Katikati Lions Club, where he's a life member.
"Charitable organisations like Lions or Rotary give you the opportunity, and if you have that bit of compassion or whatever that might be, you have got a wonderful chance to do that."
Mr Cunningham's family has been fortunate not to be affected by child cancer but he's touched by the plight of the children he reads about in the CCF magazines he is sent.
His house is decorated with posters featuring child cancer survivors from past fund appeals.
"I can never bring myself to [throw them away].
"This is Lexi, she's now 9," he says of the face of CCF's 2005 appeal.
"She's doing very well, she's a great one for dance.
"I just love these pictures because of what they are - children with cancer. You've just got to hope that they all, like Lexi, do well and recover. I just love these kids."
CCF is the recipient charity of the Bay of Plenty Times fundraiser Big Charity Auction.
Until April 28, the weekday editions of the Bay of Plenty Times will contain "Big Charity Auction dollars", the dollar amount varying from day to day.
Readers who collect as many dollars as they can take them to the Big Charity Auction on Thursday, April 28, to bid for luxury prizes worth almost $70,000.
A percentage of money from extra newspaper sales will also go to CCF, aiming to raise thousands of dollars for the charity.
The oldest member of Katikati Lions, Mr Cunningham has also been recognised by the Katikati Rotary Club, which presented him with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship - the second highest recognition Rotary can offer an individual. Mr Cunningham feels grateful to be a Lions member and for the opportunities the organisation has given him, such as fundraising for CCF.
"I've had a good life, very good. I suppose a fellow's just got a wee bit of generosity and compassion. I just love people."
CCF funding and business development manager Delwynne Hahunga said volunteers like Tom were the lifeblood of the organisation.
"Tom is a Lions member at Katikati and has been promoting the Child Cancer Foundation cause within Lions and co-ordinating collectors for many years.
"He is an absolute delight to talk to and is a wonderful gentleman.
"He is such a true community-spirited man."