AJ and Chloe kick off clothing appeal

Rotorua residents are being urged to "Give it up for Hospice" as part of the annual drive for spring and summer clothing.

The campaign launched on Monday, with The Radio Network Rotorua manager Steve Birch encouraging local businesses to display the campaign poster, which features Classic Hits breakfast announcers AJ and Chloe.

"They [Rotorua Hospice] are such a special organisation that do an incredible job with such humility and compassion," he said. "Giving up those items of clothing you just don't wear any more, or the handbag, shoes, accessories, jewellery, so hospice can then turn these donated items into cash which will keep this valuable service free of charge - it's a pretty good reason to clean out those wardrobes, don't you think?"

The campaign runs until September 7, with free clothing bags available from all retailers displaying the poster.

Rotorua Hospice funding development manager Jan Morgan said she hoped the "quirky" campaign would raise awareness of Rotorua's two hospice shops, located in Eruera and Pururu Sts.

"To have our very own celebrities supporting the Rotorua Hospice campaign is a huge boost to the promotion. AJ and Chloe have a fantastic following here in Rotorua and we are hoping their popularity will translate into lots of clothing donations for our shops."

Ms Morgan said she was also grateful for the support of Harcourts, Postie and the Rotorua District Council, who have committed to encourage council staff to fill up the bags.