Opinion: Still time to give to appeal

Some of the items donated so far. PHOTO/FILE

Over recent months, there seems to have been a real theme of those struggling in our community.

While once the issue of homeless was something that was relatively unheard of, or at least mostly unseen, in our city - this year has highlighted what a problem it is.

Saturday's paper highlighted the issue of poverty among children, today we report on the continual struggles of people to find housing.

It's easy to become a bit dispirited at the scale of the problem.

But then you see those lending a hand to help. Just like those from Apumoana Marae who are pitching in, over the past few weeks we've seen countless stories of those digging deep to support the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal.

Last week the appeal had received about 6100 items worth about $12,200. It's also received 4298 items from Fill the Bus, and more than $3500 in cash.

But the reality is the more we can collect, the more families we can help feed.

As Ralph Overbye from the Salvation Army told me during the appeal, every can helps. Every packet of pasta, every tin of spaghetti - it all makes a difference to those in our community.

With just a few days to go for the appeal, now is the time for Rotorua to dig deep and support the cause.

It's the time for businesses to get in the giving spirit - why not challenge others in your field to match your donation?

Individuals can make a difference to by getting an extra item or two in the shopping and dropping it in to us.

Rotorua is well known for its giving nature - now is the time to show it.