Zumba rallies for The Daily Post foodbank appeal

Zumba classes for cans of food are on offer in support of Rotorua's main foodbank which is desperate for supplies to feed needy families.
The Daily Post launched a campaign in support of the Salvation Army after the service put out a call for more supplies as the pantry was depleted during a recent increase in demand.
Staff from the newspaper collected more than 100 cans and put out a challenge for other businesses to beat their effort.
As a result, Rotorua Zumba instructors have taken on the quest and will be offering lessons for two cans or more of food next week and will be taking pledges for items of food as well.
Rotorua Zumba instructor Leanne White-Haverkamp said when she read about the plight of the Salvation Army she decided it was a vital community service which needed support.
"I decided to call in support because we just wanted to get involved. I don't want families to go hungry," she said.
"They provide such a brilliant service, so what better way to support them into the future."
Three different classes at different venues around the city will be offering the fundraising classes in exchange for two cans of food.
"So in lieu of payment for entry, food collections will be greatly appreciated," she said.
Participants will use the cans as weights during exercises before handing them over for the campaign.
The FLAVAZ Crew as well as other instructors were collaborating for a "class with an edgy difference", Mrs White-Haverkamp said.
Zest Zumba instructor Jacque Webber said the Salvation Army Foodbank was a worthy community agency to support.
"We did a similar challenge last year which was highly successful so we wanted to jump on board to offer our support," she said.
Zumba one-hour classes for two cans of food will be offered on February 23 at 6pm at classes run at Kaitao Intermediate School and Dance to Inspire at Lynmore School.
Zest Zumba will also be running classes on Friday, February 25 at 6pm at Westbrook School.
The person who donates the most items of food will receive a prize.
The Daily Post campaign will run until March 1.
Already, 209 items and cans of food have been dropped off in support of the campaign.
Donations of cans and non-perishable food can be dropped off to The Daily Post office in Hinemoa St or the Salvation Army in Community House, Haupapa St.
If you are doing anything special to gather food for the campaign we want to hear from you. Phone Cherie Taylor (07) 348 6199 ext 57051 or email cherie.taylor@dailypost.co.nz.