Rotorua's Christmas spirit has done the Salvation Army proud yet again.
The Fill the Bus 12-hour food drive, led by The Hits 97.5, with support from the Rotorua Daily Post, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Reesby Buses, today collected 4298 items of food for the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army Foodbank Christmas Appeal, easily surpassing last year's total of 3564 items.
The Hits 97.5 radio announcer Paul Hickey said he was incredibly proud of Rotorua.
"I feel knackered but so proud of what we have been able to achieve. We've been overwhelmed with support from the people who have walked up and given us just one can through to the schools and businesses that have given hundreds.
"I'm so proud that Rotorua has got behind us, the bus is full," he said.
Image 1 of 24: Teia Ingram donates some items.
Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Ralph Overbye said the whole day was awesome.
"I'm really impressed with the generosity that we have seen today. I didn't see it last year so I don't know how it compares, but it looks awesome."
He said it wasn't too late to add to the appeal total, if you missed out.
"There's still plenty of time to give as the food drive runs right until December 23."
Rotorua Daily Post
photographer Ben Fraser was on the bus all day.
"The generosity of this town never ceases to amaze me. To see the people come out, especially the kids, to donate was awesome," he said.
The bus started collecting food at the Redwood Shopping Centre at 7.10am finishing off at the Salvation Army on Old Taupo Rd at 6.50pm.
Lynmore locals Warwick and Janet Brown kicked off the busy day when they arrived on their bikes with bags of food for the appeal.
Mrs Brown said she thought the bus was a "novel way" to get the community involved.
"I thought it was fabulous that the bus was coming around."
As the bus rolled up to Otonga Primary School later in the day children had two trolleys full of canned goods ready and waiting.
Pupil Jane Keir, 11, said this was her first Christmas in Rotorua as she and her family had moved from Christchurch after the recent earthquakes.
She said today had cheered her up as it was Wacky Wednesday at the school and it meant she got to dress in her Christmas gear.
"It's that time of year to dress up Christmassy. . . I love Christmas it's really fun, I think it's important to help people in need when you can," she said.
Along with the schools several supermarkets, businesses and local people all came down to give.
There were 21 stops throughout the day including six at schools.
Last year's drive ended with more than $7000 of non-perishable items donated.
- Additional reporting by Ben Fraser