Westbrook pupils get into Christmas spirit by helping those less fortunate

READY TO GIVE: Westbrook Primary School pupils Haylee Fraser (left), 11, and Harry Koller-Schultz, 11, are excited to give to those in need. PHOTO/KYRA DAWSON

Rotorua school pupils are getting into the spirit of Christmas, by helping out those less fortunate than themselves.

Westbrook Primary School associate principal Rachel Weinberg said next week was Wattie's Cans for Good campaign, which tied in nicely with the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal and Food Drive for the Salvation Army foodbank.

"We got lots of different charities sending us information but this one is a good cause because leading up to Christmas there's lots of needy families that are short of food and our student councillors usually choose one of two charities to support and we haven't done the foodbank one for a while," she said.

The school is encouraging pupils to bring in a can or two for the cause.

"All it would take would be one can per family and we will have 1200 cans.

"Already we have three big boxes so the kids are already getting into it and hopefully we will get heaps more."

She said the school also aimed to have enough donations for the Fill the Bus campaign this year.

Student councillors Haylee Fraser, 11, and Harry Koller-Schultz, 11, said they were excited to give food to those in need.

"It's helping people who aren't fortunate enough to be able to buy stuff so if they get this they can save their money to get presents for their loved ones," Harry said.

"It's so nice for everyone around here to give," Haylee added.

Make your donations of non-perishable food at the Rotorua Daily Post office: 1143 Hinemoa St or the Salvation Army's Community Ministries, 1188 Amohia St.

You can also donate money at BNZ: The Salvation Army Rotorua, Reference: Foodbank, Acc: 02-0416-0024233-00. If any organisations, schools or individuals are organising a fundraising event, please let us know by emailing news@dailypost.co.nz or contacting reporter Kyra Dawson on (07) 349 7477.