Rotorua people can do their bit and help relieve the stress that comes with Christmas by helping locals who are struggling to make ends meet.
The Rotorua Daily Post today launches its annual Christmas Appeal in conjunction with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM, and has selected the SalvationArmy Foodbank to receive donations of food and cash.
Last year the appeal raised more than $44,000 worth of cash and food items for the foodbank.
To launch this year's appeal the Rotorua Daily Post has kick-started the campaign with a $1000 donation.
Rotorua Daily Post editor Scott Inglis said the newspaper was pleased to again be supporting the foodbank. "They do such a great job and help so many people and families who need it. We look forward to working with the community to collect plenty of food and raise plenty of money to help feed people in need. It's so easy to help - all we need is a can of food."
The foodbank provides food and assistance, ranging from food parcels and budgeting advice to housing support and life skill courses, to hundreds of people across the Rotorua district each year.
Rotorua Salvation Army commanding officer Major Bill Millar said this year the organisation had handed out 948 parcels at a cost of $275,688. That was $95,785 more than last year.
Mr Millar said the reality was that Christmas time could be a real time of stress for families with increased financial demands and often more people to feed. He said the Christmas Appeal had become a part of the psyche of Rotorua. "People have embraced the whole vision."
