Rotorua community helps each other get through the chill with appeals

Gwyneth Bang (left) and Ethel Cadwallader are happy to have been a part of 'Give a Kid a Blanket'. Photo/Andrew Warner

The Rotorua community has shown its generosity this winter and is doing its bit to help others through the chilly months.

Bupa The Gardens Care Home was one of a number of collection points for the 'Give a Kid a Blanket' initiative, where members of the community could donate blankets and other warm winter goods.

It all started when care home manager, Sacha Mountfort, saw the initiative on Facebook.

"Any donation was a highlight. We were really surprised at the amount coming in and of such beautiful quality. Some people went and bought new blankets for the cause.

She says the group received well over 20 blankets.

"Our first donation came from a day program resident who just couldn't wait to give it to me. Another resident had crocheted a blanket especially for the cause, and our team has donated as well."

Sacha says it has been great to be involved with the community.

"I think the residents got a lot of satisfaction out of it. It gave them a chance to feel part of the community and like they are contributing to it."

Resident Gwyneth Bang thinks the initiative is great because some families just cannot rise to the extra costs of warmth - "It's very sad".

She is amazed the care home collected more than 20 blankets.

Resident Ethel Cadwallader donated a blanket which had been given to her.

"I can never get over the fact of how kind people are here in Rotorua.

"I think having this as a drop-off place was lovely."

Give a Kid a Blanket Rotorua has donated more than 200 blankets to kids in need this winter.

To find out more about the Give a Kid Blanket initiative, and how you can donate, go to their Facebook or Givealittle page.

Meanwhile, Mokoia Community Association community-led manager Leigh Richards says if people and businesses in the community are in a position to donate non-perishable food items for the Mokoia Community Association and Partners Food Drive it will be greatly appreciated.

Likewise, if people have an over-flowing linen cupboard or clean, warm good quality bedding no longer needed, the association will greatly receive them at the centre - 297 Vaughan Rd - for its Share the Warmth campaign.

"We have had an overwhelming response from very generous people and whānau in our community. Our food drop-off boxes have been filled with donated food.

"We also have people popping into the office daily, arms full with blankets they no longer use to hand on to others who need them at this time of year.

Leigh says it has been warming to see the community give so generously and that it is great to see items go on to be used by others.

"This not only helps those in need over the winter months but also helps reduce waste and promotes re-using items that have much use left in them."

Wattie's Cans for Good is also back, the national campaign run by The Salvation Army in partnership with Wattie's for New Zealand schools.

It runs from August 13 to 24 and gives kindergartens and schools nationwide the opportunity to help make a difference in their local community by collecting cans for Salvation Army foodbanks.

Schools and kindergartens can register at www.watties.co.nz/cansforgood.