Charity appeal gains momentum
Make a foodbank donation to ride the Zorb on December 11
Donations are set to roll into Rotorua’s Salvation Army Foodbank as Zorb backs the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the seventh year in a row.
Zorb Rotorua will hold its annual Can Day in support of the the Foodbank on December 11.
On Can Day, people with proof of a Rotorua address will be able to score a maximum of two free rides per person.
Zorb Rotorua sales and marketing executive Charlotte Brady said Zorb was proud to have taken part in the Christmas Appeal for the past seven years.
“It’s really nice to be able to support our community,” Brady told the Rotorua Daily Post. “Rotorua locals have supported us and we want to acknowledge them.”
Brady said Christmas 2022 was different for a couple of reasons.
“The past year has been tough for a lot of people so it’s important for us to give the Salvation Army a hand.”
Brady said the lack of Covid-19 restrictions this summer meant the Zorb crew were expecting many excited faces on the day.
“Not only do we get to raise donations for the foodbank, we also get to see a lot of families who tell us they’ve never been on a Zorb.”
Salvation Army Rotorua corps officer Hana Seddon said Zorb’s support of the appeal was “epic, with a big exclamation mark”.
“They’re a fun place where people go to have a good time,” Seddon said.
“It’s neat to know that they would support us to help people have a good time at Christmas.”
Seddon said initiatives like Zorb’s Can Day helped share the load of raising donations for the foodbank.
“It makes what we do achievable when we do it together with the community.”
The Can Day also helped to raise awareness about the need for something as basic as kai, she said.
“It’s a reminder for people that they don’t have to wait until Christmas to show their support.”
The Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal is a six-week appeal, run in conjunction with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM.
The appeal has been running for several years. In 2021, a total of $65,792.10 was raised for the foodbank through cash and food donations.
This year, the appeal comes at a time when many are struggling with a cost of living crisis.
While food and money were welcomed, anyone wanting to help but struggling with this can consider donating their time.