Christmas appeal gets another boost

DONATION: The OCS team made a massive donation towards Rotorua Salvation Army's Foodbank. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Hundreds of food and household items have been donated to the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army Foodbank Christmas Appeal thanks to one company's generous donation.

Facilities management and hygiene company OCS and Cannon NZ collected hundreds of food and household items at its annual conference in Rotorua this week.

It also donated $15,150 to Salvation Army New Zealand as part of a formal ongoing partnership with the organisation.

OCS NZ managing director Gareth Marriott said with more than 4500 staff around New Zealand, the company wanted to put its support behind a charity organisation that made a big difference in each of those communities.

"Already this year we've been involved with the 14 Hours Homeless event, and each of our 23 branches across the country will be doing various activities to help stock Salvation Army foodbanks leading up to Christmas.

"This is just the start of our relationship with the Salvation Army and we're looking forward to supporting them long into the future."

Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Ralph Overbye said the Salvation Army couldn't offer the services it provided without help from people and organisations, and the donation from OCS was just "great".

"Some of the food and household products donated by OCS will go into some food parcels now, while the rest will contribute to our much-needed Christmas hampers. The need for food and support is year-round, and this contribution is much appreciated."

Make your donations of non-perishable food at the Rotorua Daily Post office: 1143 Hinemoa St or the Salvation Army's Community Ministries, 1188 Amohia St.

You can also donate money at BNZ: The Salvation Army Rotorua, Reference: Foodbank, Acc: 02-0416-0024233-00. If any organisations, schools or individuals are organising a fundraising event, please let us know by emailing news@dailypost.co.nz or contacting reporter Kyra Dawson on (07) 349 7477.