The promise of a mussel fritter or two brought hundreds of visitors to the “Cram and Van” Christmas charity event at the Whakatōhea Ōpōtiki Mussels car park on Friday.

The promotion boasting a range of barbecue favourites and fun events was sponsored by Whakatōhea Mussels, EastPack, Seeka, 1XX and Toyota.

Their objective was to raise funds for local charities and cram a van with groceries for families in need.

Organisations to benefit included Have a Heart, Koha Ki Kawerau, Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust, The Salvation Army, SPCA and OSCA.