Christmas Appeal Zorb Rotorua locals’ day: Thirty crates of tinned food donated to Salvation Army

Zorb Rotorua’s annual can-for-a-ride locals’ day has resulted in 30 crates of tinned food being donated to the Rotorua Salvation Army Foodbank. Photo / Supplied

Zorb Rotorua’s annual can-for-a-ride locals’ day has resulted in 30 “full” crates of tinned food being donated to the Rotorua Salvation Army Foodbank.

On Sunday, locals had the chance to swap non-perishable food for a Zorb ride while supporting the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army Foodbank.

The appeal launched on November 15 and runs for six weeks. It is supported by The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM.

Zorb Rotorua has collected donations for the Christmas Appeal since 2017.

General manager Steph James said the day wentwell but it was “a little bit disappointing” that quite a few people booked for rides did not show up.

“It kind of meant other people missed out ... but otherwise, the vibe on-site was awesome.”

James said every year “gets a little bit tougher” with the cost of living.

“It’s something that makes us feel really good. It’s a great opportunity for our crew to feel like they’re giving back as well.

“It’s something that people come to expect every year too, which is pretty cool.”

She said the company received phone calls “all year round” asking when its locals’ day was.

“When we do give the cans to the Salvation Army, just the reaction from them is always really special as well.”

The Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army Foodbank launched on November 15 and runs for six weeks. Photo / Supplied

Community ministries manager Darnielle Hoods said it received 30 “full” crates of cans from Zorb Rotorua, containing 2160 items worth $6480.

Last year, the locals’ day also saw more than 2000 cans of food collected.

As of Monday, the foodbank had raised $73,858.

This was made of $34,143 food donations, $19,875 in cash and vouchers, and $19,840 in toys and gifts.

Hoods said highlights from last week included pick-ups from the council, gifts from Kmart, “anonymous cash donations coming in across the counter, and the many, many food donations that continue to come in”.

“Your continuous generosity is ensuring that every whānau in need in our community feels the love this Christmas season.

“Thank you for being the heart of our mahi.”

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.