Hospice launches ‘hands-up’ campaign
Ali Kerridge of Richmond’s Alioke Cafe is raising her hand (and cup) for Hospice with a high tea spread. Photo: Tim Cuff.
After stretching its helping hands throughout the community for 36 years, Hospice Nelson Tasman is asking for a hand of its own.
Hands up for Hospice appeal launches this week as the major fundraiser for the service that faces a $3.5m funding shortfall each year.
Since 1987, the service has provided essential palliative care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses, and now assists around 210 patients and their whānau each month, free of charge.
The bi-annual appeal, which runs for the month of May, helps with much-needed funds to plug the $3.5 million shortfall to cover day-to-day operational costs such as insurance, utility costs and payroll, as well as ensuring it can continue to provide specialist palliative care for free throughout the community.
With five main ways to get involved, the month will culminate with a ‘Heave for Hospice’ tug-of-war team competition on Upper Trafalgar St on 31 May.
If a tug-of war isn’t your thing, consider a ‘High Tea for Hospice’, ‘Host for Hospice’, or ‘Raise for Hospice’.
To help boost the funds, NBS is running a month-long text-to-donate campaign, where the banking services provider will match fund each $3 donation up to a total of $10,000.
Nelson Tasman Hospice chief executive Tony Gray hopes the variety of events throughout the month-long appeal will continue to increase awareness about all the ways Hospice touches the lives of people in the community when they need it.
“A lot of people associate Hospice with our specialist palliative care unit in Stoke, which is definitely an important aspect of our kaupapa, but Hospice is so much more.
“Our team of over 45 health clinicians are also out caring for and supporting people who need specialist care in their own homes, in aged care facilities, in Nelson Hospital and 24/7 over the phone. They include doctors, nurses, and health care assistants, as well as our allied health team of social workers, clinical psychologists and others needed to ensure our community receives holistic palliative care.
“Basically, we’re focused on ensuring the support that’s needed at some of the most challenging times for people is wherever it is needed.”
Hands Up for Hospice encourages the community to put its ‘hands’ together and organise fundraising events (big or small) or make a donation.
“What I love about the Hands Up for Hospice appeal is how many different ways there are to get involved” says NBS chief executive Tony Cadigan.
Registrations for hosting teas, events or joining the heave are open now. Learn more about Hands Up for Hospice and register today here.