Katie Holland: A huge thank you to Rotorua

Well done Rotorua.

Now it feels like Christmas.

There was much whooping and hollering in the newsroom yesterday when the final Christmas Appeal tally was revealed.

As one normally far more articulate colleague said: "$49,092! Boom!"

That's almost $50,000 worth of cash and food items going directly to the Rotorua Salvation Army's Foodbank. Which goes directly to those in our community who need it most.

To beat last year's total by about $5000 was a fantastic effort. It shows what a community can do when it gets together.

To every individual, school, business and organisation that donated, whether it was one can of beans or thousands of dollars, a huge thank you!

Because of you no Rotorua child will have to go to sleep hungry tomorrow night, or for many nights after that.

If you're anything like me, you'll be rushing around today frantically getting last-minute gifts, braving the queues at the supermarket and cleaning the house for the post-Christmas influx of relatives. And that's all before going to work.

But it will all be worth it tomorrow when most of us can sit back, relax and enjoy time with families and friends. But also spare a thought for those who don't get the day off, such as doctors and nurses, emergency services staff and rubbish collectors. May they too get the time they need at some stage to rest and recuperate, ready for 2016.

On behalf of all of us at the Rotorua Daily Post, I wish you and your families a relaxing, happy and safe Christmas Day.