Agrodome steps in to back Christmas Appeal

Lisa Ross (left), Chanelle Corbett-McCorkindale, Dominik Strobel and Miki Zhou from the Agrodome are getting behind the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's Agrodome team are getting into the spirit of Christmas by collecting food and presents to donate to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal in support of the Salvation Army foodbank.

Agrodome business manager Dominik Strobel said the whole team had been excited to get involved.

"Christmas is the time for giving. And our team at the Agrodome was keen to play a small role in helping ensure no local kid goes without this Christmas."

A large Christmas tree is on display in the business' reception area and Mr Strobel said people had responded really well to it.

"The idea came from one of our customer services team who saw last week's Christmas appeal article in the Rotorua Daily Post, and thought it would be great for the Agrodome to get involved.

"So with my support, she put out the challenge to the team to contribute as much as possible to the Daily Post Christmas Appeal," he said.

"The Agrodome has run Christmas donations before, but this is the first time we've made a concerted effort to really motivate the team to get behind it. Our Agrodome staff have responded really, really well.

"Almost everyone has contributed already and many have contributed more than once, bringing in a second or even a third package.

"Some have even brought in toys too. It's great to see how motivated the team is to get involved."

Mr Strobel said it was part of the daily team conversations and there was a bit of "healthy competition" between teams to see who could contribute the most.

Sallies 'ecstatic' at donation response

More than 8000 items worth over $16,000 have been collected so far as part of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal in support of the Rotorua Salvation Army foodbank.

There are still just under two weeks to get behind the appeal which aims at stocking the shelves at the foodbank in the lead-up to Christmas.

Rotorua Salvation Army commanding officer Bill Millar said they had been ecstatic with the response they had received since the appeal started almost a month ago.

As well as the food donations the Salvation Arm had received $4747.60 in cash donations.

"We are delighted.

"It really helps us to set the foodbank up, especially for next winter. It's the generosity of the people that keep us going, and 2016 is looking good. We provide food hampers for those who are struggling over Christmas, but the good thing about collecting non-perishable items means that we have a good stock base to distribute throughout the year."