A taste of Yuletide generosity

Waiariki Institute of Technology's chief executive Professor Margaret Noble has been busy collecting items for the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal. Photo / Ben Fraser

There's no shortage of Christmas spirit at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

The institute has been collecting bucketfuls of food for the past month to donate to the Salvation Army food bank, as part of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal.

Last month the Rotorua Daily Post launched its annual Christmas Appeal with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM, selecting the Salvation Army Foodbank to receive donations of food and cash.

Since the launch, Waiariki staff have been rallying to help the cause by donating non-perishable food, from canned spaghetti to chocolates, to the food bank.

Chief executive Professor Margaret Noble said the institute had stepped up this year to help Rotorua families who struggled at Christmas.

"The staff here at Waiariki have clearly shared in the Christmas spirit with donations and we are happy to help this year and in the years to come," Professor Noble said.

"Giving is all a part of Christmas and it's nice to be able to do something to help those who are less fortunate."

Professor Noble said the Salvation Army was a fantastic cause as it helped those who needed it most.

"The Salvation Army is a blessing for many families in our community and not just at Christmas and New Year, but all year around."

Early next week marks the end of the appeal, with volunteers preparing to wrap the items in hampers for families by Christmas Day.

Donations can be made at our Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm on weekdays. People can donate money or non-perishable food. Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army at Community House on Haupapa St.