Rotorua generosity flows with auction

Rotorua businesses and residents are coming together to help those affected by the Christchurch earthquake.
Rotorua's Lava Bar and Base Backpackers are holding an auction tomorrow to raise money for the victims.
Bar manager Jess Bradley said they hoped to secure items from Rotorua residents and businesses to auction off between 7pm and 9pm. Donation boxes were also being placed around the bar and backpackers' hostel in a bid to raise money.
She said the bar and backpackers staff wanted to get involved in fundraising as they knew several people involved in the quake.
"We have a Base Backpackers in Christchurch which was badly damaged," she said.
"We also have lots of friends there and I know people just want to help out."
All money raised would go to the Red Cross earthquake appeal.
Rotorua's Layla Robinson is also organising a rock concert to raise money for those in Christchurch.
She said details were yet to be confirmed but the concert was scheduled for Saturday, March 19. "Money seems such a small thing when hearing this, but we know that when the dust clears, it is money that will take the strain off the traumatised Christchurch people," she said.
Staff at the region's household stores Smith City are also getting behind fundraising efforts.
Smith City North Island regional manager Jason Langdon said the store had set up an account in to which where staff and the public could deposit donations.
Rotorua's St Luke's Church will be open tomorrow from 9am to 4pm for anyone who wants to go along and spend time in quiet prayer or light a candle for the people of Christchurch. Other Anglican churches across the Bay of Plenty, Eastland and Hawke's Bay will also be open from 12pm to 1pm tomorrow for anyone wanting to a say a prayer or light a candle.