Christmas Appeal: Can donations surpass last year’s Zorb Rotorua can-for-a-ride locals’ day

Zorb Rotorua’s annual can-for-a-ride locals’ day saw more than 2000 cans of food donated to the Rotorua Salvation Army Foodbank.

Zorb’s can-for-a-ride day has collected donations for the Rotorua Daily Post’s Christmas Appeal since 2017, and on Sunday more than 350 locals turned up with cans to donate in exchange for a wild ride down Mt Ngongotahā in a giant inflatable ball.

The six-week appeal, supported by The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM, is now in its last week of collecting donations of food and money to help the foodbank’s work through the Christmas period and into next year.

Steph James, general manager at Zorb Rotorua, said the day went well and was the most successful one they have had in a few years.

“Because we’ve been doing it for so long, it is something the community is always looking forward to. It was really, really good.

“Things aren’t getting easier – the cost-of-living crisis is worse, so anything we can do to give back to the community is a feel-good thing at Christmas.”

The Zorb Rotorua team with cans donated during the can-for-a-ride locals' day.

James said the can-for-a-ride event was booked out in six hours.

“Everyone in the community always knows when it’s about to happen. We start getting calls in November with people asking when our locals’ day is.”

She said the Zorb Rotorua team liked being a part of something that was looking at the bigger picture.

“It’s nice for them to be able to give back as well. Even if it’s through work, they feel like they’re a part of it.”

This year, 2590 items, valued at $2.50 each during the appeal, were donated, meaning $6475 worth of donations were given to the Salvation Army, compared to 1906 items in 2023.

The 2023 appeal raised a record total of $94,409.30 for the foodbank, and as of Monday the tally was over $78,000.

Zorb employees Taruia and Jake with the Salvation Army's Tracey Ball collecting the donations.

Salvation Army Rotorua community ministries manager Darnielle Hoods said they were sincerely appreciative of Zorb and everyone involved in the “outstanding donation.”

“As long-time supporters, it’s inspiring to see their contributions grow from 1906 items last year to this amazing total of 2590.

“Special thanks to Steph and the team at Zorb for your continued commitment to bringing hope and joy to families in need this Christmas.”

Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.