Nelson Tasman Hospice grateful for Farmers stores and community support during Trees of Remembrance campaign 2023

1 February 2024

Farmers Nelson staff from left, Jared Whitnall, Anushka Castaing (highest fundraiser in store), Mariia Horiaieva and Maddie Sharkie.

The annual Farmers Christmas Campaign celebrates its 10th year in partnership with Hospice New Zealand this year. Raising over $932,000 during the festive period of 2023 for hospices’ nationwide, Farmers staff and customers have been strong supporters of Hospice services for a decade now.

Farmers Richmond staff from left, Heather Inwood, Carol Johnson (highest fundraiser in store), Deon de Clercq (Store Manager) and Olivia Clark.

Nelson Tasman Hospice has been the grateful recipient of $32,304.09 raised at Farmers Nelson and Farmers Richmond from the 16^th of November until the 24^th of December 2023. Money was raised from the sales of a limited-edition bauble and from donations collected as customers write a message to a loved one to hang on the in-store ‘Tree of Remembrance’.

Alongside the Farmers campaign ran ‘Community Trees of Remembrance’, where for twelve days around the region volunteers connected with their communities to raise funds for Nelson Tasman Hospice. Over 100 volunteers, made up of community groups and individuals, came together to help people remember their loved ones and support Nelson Tasman Hospice. This year across Nelson, Stoke, Richmond and Motueka, $8685.70 was raised, bringing the total for both Trees of Remembrance activations to over $40,900.

Freemasons outside Countdown Stoke as part of Community Trees of Remembrance.

Nelson Tasman Hospice must raise $3.5M every year to continue providing its specialist palliative care service to the Nelson Tasman community. This $40,900 donation not only has helped to minimise the funding shortfall but has helped the community better understand the work we do. Nelson Tasman Hospice are grateful for the support of Farmers staff and customers, community groups and volunteers and all those who made time to donate to a Tree of Remembrance during the busy festive period.

The 861 tags honouring loved ones that have been placed on our trees at all locations will be blessed and cremated at a special service, with the ashes spread in the hospice gardens.