Cafe's charity help is just ballooning

GIVING BACK: Be Rude Not To staff Meredith Herbert (left), Cherelle Boon, Zach Newton and Phillip Swinton supported the Heart Foundation Rotorua. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 140214SP4

A cafe full of red balloons, special cupcakes and queues out the door - one of Rotorua's newest cafes has been celebrating Valentine's Day in style, all while raising money for a cause close to their hearts.

Be Rude Not To cafe combined Valentine's Day with a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation yesterday. Part-owner Phillip Swinton said the day had been about raising money for a good cause, as well as creating an experience for the customers, and he is classing the day a success.

Mr Swinton said the cafe had been packed with queues out the door although he did not yet know how much had been raised.

Money was donated from the hampers and cupcakes they were selling, and red balloons were available for a gold coin donation.

Heart Foundation Rotorua heart health advocate Yvonne Skellern said it was great to have a local business pairing up to raise awareness and funds.

Mrs Skellern said the cafe was a new business with a focus on healthier food options, so it fitted in well with the healthy heart message.

She said this year the foundation hoped to raise $5000 locally as part of the appeal. Mrs Skellern said the money raised in Rotorua was used locally.

Today collectors will be outside Farmers, Mitre 10, Countdown in Rotorua Central Mall and New World.

People can also donate in-store at their local Postshop Kiwibank, by phoning 0800 830 100, by texting "donate" to 849, to make a $3 donation or online at www.heartfoundation.org.nz.