Rotary luncheon raises $84,000 for community projects (+video)

Rotorua's Rotary clubs are pleased to be able to support a number of community organisations after raising $84,000 through their charity luncheon.

The luncheon and charity auction was held last month - with the final tally revealed this week.

The major beneficiaries are St Chads Charitable Trust, Heart Foundation Rotorua and Plunket Rotorua.

Pool beneficiaries are Rotorua Chaplaincy Trust, Older Persons' Community Centre (Parksyde), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotorua Trails Trust, Kiwican, Tipu Ora and Lifelink Samaritans Rotorua.

St Chads Charitable Trust programme co-ordinator and art teacher Donna Ross said the substantial gift would help rejuvenate and paint both the interior and exterior of the St Chads building.

Ms Ross said it was humbling to know the public were aware of what they did at St Chads and to have been recognised in such a way was "very cool".

She said St Chads hoped it could do something in return for Rotary sometime.

Event chairman Don Gollan said it was fantastic to raise so much and support deserving local community organisations.

"All the Rotarians take a lot of pride in this collaboration."

He said there would be a gathering on January 26, hosted by the Rotary West Club, where cheques would be handed out to the recipients.

Mr Gollan said the support had been fantastic from Rotorua businesses and they were pleased with the attitude and enthusiasm of those who attended the event.

"Basically, a huge thank you to everyone involved from all of the Rotorua Rotary clubs."

Mr Gollan said next year's charity luncheon had already been set down for Friday, November 17.

He said the planning for it was already under way with an enthusiastic core team of Rotarians.

"I think we really enjoy seeing the five Rotary clubs working together on one big fundraiser and our aim is to keep growing the event for Rotorua."