An “overwhelming” response to the 2024 Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army foodbank has smashed the donation record, with more than $100,000 in cash and goods collected.
It has been described as an example of the Rotorua community’s generosity shining through despite challenging economic times.
The final donation tally is $103,683.50, made up of 18,940 food items valued at an average of $2.50 each, $25,786 worth of vouchers or cash donations and 634 high-quality toys.
The previous record, from 2023, was $94,409.30.
Salvation Army community ministries manager Darnielle Hoods said the generous response to the appeal showed the “true meaning of community, aroha, and manaakitanga” in Rotorua.
The donations had enabled the foodbank to help well over 1000 families throughout the holiday season.
The long-running annual six-week fundraiser, supported by The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM, started on November 9 and ended on December 23.
Hoods said those who had contributed to the appeal were “making a difference in the lives of so many”.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rotorua, the incredible team at the Rotorua Daily Post, and Paul Hickey from The Hits for their unwavering support and dedication to this kaupapa. Without you, this outcome would not have been possible.
“This overwhelming response has already allowed us to assist 1283 people, with that number continuing to grow as we reach even more whānau who need a helping hand,” Hoods said.
The Salvation Army runs a choice-model supermarket, Te Kai Mākona, where whānau in need can select their groceries.
“In addition to providing direct support to those who came through our doors, we were also privileged to donate food vouchers and the remaining gifts from our final day of operation to the annual Rotorua Christmas Day Lunch hosted by the Rotorua Association of Ministers.”
“This ensured even more families could experience the joy and togetherness of Christmas,” Hoods said.
The community event at Energy Event Centre was open to all.
“Thank you, Rotorua! Kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi,” Hoods said.
The appeal was supported by initiatives big and small, from The Hits’ Fill The Bus to Scope Cafe’s Coffee for a Can and many more in between.
The Rotorua Trust’s contribution of $10,000 was a major boost to the appeal.
Trust chief executive Stewart Edward said fundraisers such as Fill The Bus were “vital” and he was pleased to see “the generosity of our community shines brighter than ever”.
“It’s wonderful to see how our combined efforts have made a significant difference.
“Let’s keep the momentum going in 2025. Together, we can make a significant impact on initiatives that positively affect our community,” Edward said.
Rotorua Lakes Council provided a collection point at its offices for non-perishable food donations throughout the appeal.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said the appeal had an “incredible outcome”.
“To have collected a record amount and really show the great spirit of our Rotorua community.
“Even with the tough financial times we’re experiencing, people’s generosity has shone through and ensured those in need still received food and toys for Christmas.
“It was heartwarming to see the collection baskets filling up with donations from locals, and also council staff.
“We once again send a heartfelt thank you to all involved in ensuring the annual Christmas Appeal is able to go ahead, and to everyone who has donated so generously.”
Rotorua Daily Post editor Kim Gillespie said it was heartwarming to see the Rotorua community come together to help those in need.
”Even though it was a particularly tough year, people gave and gave.
“To beat the 2023 total is amazing and a testament to the big hearts of local readers, businesses, schools and organisations.
“Thank you all, and thank you to the Salvation Army team for your tireless work.”
This appeal was the first time in several years the Rotorua police team joined Fill The Bus, spokesperson Detective Christie Gordon said.
The team donated toys to make sure the Salvation Army could provide families with gifts to give, as well as food.
“There is genuine need out there in our community.
“It was great to be involved in the appeal – it’s such a great way to help the community we work and police in.
“I was thrilled with the response we got from staff, who loved getting involved and donating toys and non-perishable goods.
“It was fantastic to see the response from the Salvation Army when we were loading it into the bus, and I hope the toys and gifts brought similar joy to families out there on Christmas Day. We’re looking forward to getting involved this coming Christmas as well,” Gordon said.
Aleyna Martinez is a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty. She moved to the region in 2024 and has previously reported in Wairarapa and at Pacific Media Network.