Editorial: Thank you so much, Rotorua

Rotorua raised a record $76,000 this year for the Christmas Appeal which is nearly double of the $38,500 raised last year.

In a perfect world, the Salvation Army foodbank would not exist. We may not live in that perfect world without need or hunger, but we do live in a real Christmas cracker of a town.

Because today we reveal with an almighty bang the amazing amount raised in this year's Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the foodbank.

There have been many highs and lows for our city this year, but raising more than $76,000 in food items and cash for the foodbank has to sit up there as one of Rotorua's biggest achievements.

The amount is nearly double the $38,500 raised last Christmas and will go such a long way to helping local families cope this Christmas and beyond.

There's little doubt that, in part, the amount reflects a huge community spirit and the way Rotorua responded after thieves struck at the foodbank.

Thank you to everyone - readers, residents, businesses and public figures - who gave, especially the many who already have little. This is a quote from one reader on our Facebook page: "This is a time of giving, after all. And there are some people who are genuinely in need. I'm not well off myself but there is always someone worse off than you out there. At least, that's how I was raised."

Thank you to the Salvation Army for your tireless work.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the appeal - the fundraisers, can drive collectors, reporter Mike Watson and everyone who helped make it a success.

And thank you, Rotorua. Have a merry and safe Christmas.