Community Link’s Christmas appeal has raised just under $35,000 in cash and helped feed approximately 450 people over Christmas.

The “terrific” outcome far surpassed the organisation’s expectations, Community Link general manager Kate Murray said.

“We want to thank the community for their support because it was a collective effort,” she said.

“From the locals giving food and donating money, to businesses becoming engaged with running their own appeals and donating the proceeds to Community Link - plus the New World partnership - it made a huge difference.”

She said Community Link was able to help over 130 families with Christmas food “top-ups”, meaning around 450 locals enjoyed a “much better Christmas”.

There was also a “huge response” to appeals for donations on gifts, which were passed on to local families ahead of Christmas Day.

"We were also supported by Constructive Consulting who donated hams and Michael Side who generously provided desserts for families who received the food parcels."

Toys were also donated.

The way the Christmas appeal results are tallied have changed, making it difficult to compare to previous years.

However, Kate said, it “feels like a significantly bigger amount”.

She said the Christmas appeal was one of Community Link’s biggest appeals of the year.

“To get this level of engagement from the community is just awesome,” she said.

Surplus money raised, after Christmas food donations, will go towards programmes and initiatives at Community Link in 2025.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App