Supermarkets keen to help needy

Countdown's Duane Delany (left) hands over hundreds of dollars worth of groceries to Salvation Army Captain Brian Martin. Photo / Ben Fraser

As the countdown to Christmas begins, two Rotorua supermarkets are giving generously to help families in need this holiday season.

Rotorua's two Countdown stores, on Fenton St and at the Central Mall, are giving a total of $1000 worth of groceries to the Salvation Army food bank, as part of the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal.

Last month the Rotorua Daily Post launched its annual Christmas Appeal with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM, selecting the Salvation Army Foodbank to receive donations of food and cash.

Fenton St Countdown assistant store manager Keith Amos said Countdown had supported the Salvation Army for years.

"The company sees it as a great charity that works tirelessly to help New Zealanders in difficulty," he said.

"We want to help them and support them so they can continue the fantastic work they do, especially around Christmas."

Mr Amos said the two stores each donated $500 worth of food, in the form of several full-to-the brim trolleys.

The donation comes as part of a nationwide initiative with all 172 Countdown stores donating $500 of groceries to their local Salvation Army centre - an extra $86,000 of groceries to foodbanks nationally.

Donations to the Christmas Appeal can be made at our Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm on weekdays. People can donate money or non-perishable food.

Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House on Haupapa St.

To help, please contact reporter Adriana Weber on (07) 343 6897 or mail adriana.weber@dailypost.co.nz