Gloria Avena, Risalie Villasan, Melinda Obuyes and Cherry Andrews at Fiesta Pinou Asian Shop with two of the boxes donated by the Rotorua Filipino community. Photo / Stephen Parker
The combined Filipino communities of Rotorua have added more goods to the generous stock of donations given to the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal - which ends today.
Handing over several boxes of goods donated by the Philippine Club of Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty Friendship Society, organiser Cherry
Andrews said both groups wanted to show their appreciation and give back to a community that had helped them settle here in Rotorua.
Mrs Andrews said when she first came to the region 30 years ago the Bay of Plenty Friendship Society had only five members, and that had now grown to more than 300.
"We want to let the Rotorua community know how much we appreciate what they have done for us. This is to thank them and give a general appreciation to New Zealand, which has looked after us.
"We are aware of what's needed in the community and want to help make sure everyone is happy and well this Christmas season and in the upcoming year. It's to show our appreciation for everything."
