City streets ring with realty agents' good cheer

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: McDowell Professionals' Pete Guilford, Marilyn Christian, Cheryl Campbell and Len Pemberton do their bit for the cause. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

If you were wondering what all the bell-ringing down Tutanekai St was about yesterday, here's your answer.

The McDowell Professionals team were out on their can drive ringing their bell and pushing a trolley for people to place donations in.

The four real estate agents were looking for donations of tinned food, but welcomed anything from clothing to mince pies, all of which would to go to the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal.

Pasta, board games, underwear and loom bands were among items donated by generous businesses and local residents.

Cheryl Campbell said Rotorua was always generous.

"A lot of people are just thankful they are in a position to give. It's a real buzz knowing the city has come to the fore to do it.

"Today there are just four of us but about 36 people in the company have been involved," she said.

They had been going across the CBD in a grid pattern to make sure they got to see everyone, she said.

"We have done Eruera and Tutanekai Sts and are doing Hinemoa St [today]. We raised $47.80 [yesterday] from coin donations alone," she said.

The trolley was borrowed from New World, Len Pemberton said. "It's a real community affair."

Gifts and food donations can also be dropped off at the Professionals McDowell office, on the corner of Ranolf and Eruera Sts.

Donations to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal, which goes to the Salvation Army, can also be made at our office on Hinemoa St.