Charities honoured at nomination (+video)

A local charity has been named a major beneficiary of this year's Rotorua Charity Luncheon.

St Chad's Charitable Trust is one of three major beneficiaries for the fundraiser, along with seven pool beneficiaries.

St Chads manager James Leigh said they were hoping to use the funds for restoration work.

"We are hoping to give it a bit of a face lift with a repaint."

Mr Leigh said they were involved with the event last year. Some of St Chad's clients had decided to give to the event as well. They were working on a piece of art which they could donate towards the auction, he said.

St Chad's offered programmes to people with disabilities between the ages of 16 to 64.

"We are very honoured and humbled to be recognised and supported through the event."

The event, hosted by Rotorua's Rotary clubs, would be held on November 11 at the Energy Events Centre, and would include live and silent auctions and a lunch.

Olympic rowing gold medallist Rob Waddell will be the guest speaker. Waddell is chef de mission for the New Zealand Olympic team heading to Rio, and the fundraiser will be held not long after his return.

A confirmed pool beneficiary is Big Brothers Big Sisters, and co-ordinator Darryl Parker said they were "really pleased".

"I think it's just important for us to appreciate we have been nominated and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Rotary clubs in the city."

He said they depended on grants and trusts to continue providing their service so it was always great news.

The organisation hoped to use the funds to buy a new vehicle.

"I think it will be an amazing community event and we are really looking forward to it."

Event chairman Don Gollan said they were now busy selling tables and were working to obtain auction items.

Rotorua Charity Luncheon Beneficiaries:

Major Beneficiaries:
- St Chad's Charitable Trust
- Heart Foundation Rotorua
- Plunket Rotorua

Pool Beneficiaries:
- Rotorua Chaplaincy Trust
- Older Persons Community Centre (Parksyde)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Rotorua Trails Trust
- Kiwican
- Tipu Ora
- Lifelink Samaritans Rotorua