Firefighters out in force for annual food drive

the Rotorua Daily Post.

“And as always, Mamaku as a community has been very generous.”

The fire brigade’s food drive was part of a six-week annual appeal, run in conjunction with the Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM.

The appeal calls for people to donate what money or food items they can afford to the foodbank ahead of Christmas.

Sunday afternoon was also a small milestone for Salvation Army Rotorua corps officer Hana Seddon.

“It was my first time in Mamaku,”

Seddon said. “The afternoon’s been good fun. I see a community full of good-hearted people.”

Seddon said it was great to see smiling faces of all ages waiting at the ends of driveways or running to their gates at the sound of the fire truck’s sirens.

“Firstly, the kids came to see the fire truck, but secondly, they came to support the Salvation Army, and we’re really grateful for that.”

Quinn and Cooper Fredericksen’s box of donations included tuna, crackers and peanuts.

“This is for the kids who don’t have food,” Cooper said.

Magdalena Farrell, 13, and her younger sisters Florence, Isidora and Dorothea enjoyed a ride on the fire truck as it drove from house to house to pick up cans and other donations.

“It’s important to share because it makes other people happy,” Magdalena said.

Rotorua Lakes councillor Conan O’brien joined the fire truck on its rounds through the wet streets, representing Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell.

“It’s important for [the council] to support any initiative that helps us to remember and care for the less fortunate in our community,” O’brien said.

After the drive, Seddon thanked the volunteers and the wider community for their time and their generosity.

“I know your time is precious and we’ve had a weird two years, but what you’ve done for us is to support our kaupapa: bridging the gap between people who have and people who don’t have.”