Companies unite for appeal

Stefania Pizzirani (left), Duncan Harrison and Sarah Davies. Photo / Andrew Warner

Christmas has brought together five different organisations to help spread joy to those in need at this time of year.

As part of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal we have been encouraging local groups, individuals, schools and businesses to donate to the Salvation Army Foodbank.

Scion PhD student Stefania Pizzirani has organised staff to bring non-perishable food into work for the foodbank for the last four years and this year she managed to get five other local companies on board. Timberlands, PF Olsen, Interpine Innovation, the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Agriculture have together, with Scion, collected "well over 1000 items".

She said four years ago they managed to get just over 300 items and 700 the following year and last year they were joined by Timberlands, PF Olsen, and Interpine Innovation which saw them raise just more than 1000 items.

"We were aiming for 1500 and I'm sure we will get there. Every year we hear how much need there is for the Salvation Army and it's a relatively simple act of kindness and it all stays in Rotorua, which is nice."

Mrs Pizzirani said said all of the organisations that came on board were really excited.

"People come up to me and mention how full the boxes are and how nice it looks and it's a great feeling."

Mrs Pizzirani uses the incentive of prizes to get people to donate. For every item a staff member donates they receive one entry into a raffle to win prizes including restaurant vouchers, gym passes, gondola and luge passes, movie tickets and many other prizes.

The Salvation Army will be picking up the items today.