Rotorua's response to a call for donations for victims of the earthquake has had an overwhelming response.
Mainfreight and The Radio Network joined forces to ask residents for any food or household goods that could be transported to Christchurch to be distributed by the Salvation Army.
Bay of Plenty Mainfreight account manager
Damien Radesic told The Daily Post the original plan was to take one container of donated items to Christchurch at the end of this week.
"We have already sent one off on Tuesday, another one will go on Saturday and we are looking at continuing to take donations through to the end of next week."
Radesic said the response was far greater than anybody anticipated, with donations largely consisting of tinned food and household goods such as towels and bed linen.
Donations range from people dropping in a few spare towels to those who have gone to the supermarket and "loaded up the car". Inquiries on getting goods down to the quake zone have been coming from all around the region.
"It is good to see how, in times of devastation, everybody comes together and makes it happen."
The Radio Network has run advertisements on its seven radio stations and the Classic Hits website. Classic Hits breakfast host Chloe Emirali said more than 300 bags of food and personal care items had been delivered to her offices in the past week.
"People still have till 5pm today to drop in what they can contribute."
Donated goods for the earthquake relief effort can be left at Mainfreight's depot on the corner of Depot and Biak streets or to The Radio Network on Fenton St until 5pm today.
