International Volunteer Year Celebration at the New Hospice Donation Centre

Nelson Tasman Hospice recently celebrated the volunteers behind its new Donation Centre, recognising their contribution to building a more sustainable future for hospice care in the region.

On Saturday 12 September, Nelson Tasman Hospice marked an important milestone for its retail operation by formally acknowledging the hundreds of volunteers whose time, energy and commitment help support Hospice services across the region.

The celebration was held at the Hospice’s new Donation Centre in Stoke and brought together volunteers, staff, supporters and community members to recognise the vital role volunteers play in the organisation’s success.

The new facility was developed to strengthen the Hospice’s five-shop retail operation by providing a dedicated space for receiving, sorting and distributing donated goods. It also provides a place where volunteers can work together, learn new skills and connect with one another.

More than three hundred volunteers currently support Nelson Tasman Hospice’s retail operation across the region, with more than 440 volunteers contributing across the wider organisation.

Fiona Summerfield, Nelson Tasman Hospice Volunteer Programme Manager says:

“Our volunteers are an incredibly important part of everything we do at Hospice. They bring their time, skills, knowledge, and commitment to new initiatives like the Donation Centre. They also provide the ongoing support for our retail network and across many aspects of the hospice service.

The Donation Centre is a great example of what can be achieved when our volunteers, colleagues and community come together with a shared purpose. The celebration was an opportunity to recognise the contribution our volunteers make, not only to our shops, but to the long-term sustainability of free specialist palliative care across our region.”

The DDC represents a significant development for Nelson Tasman Hospice’s retail operation. By bringing donation processing and distribution together in one dedicated facility, the Hospice can improve the way donated goods move through the retail network while creating a better environment for the volunteers who make the operation possible.

The volunteer celebration formally acknowledged those who have helped establish the new facility and celebrated the contribution of the Hospice’s volunteer community. More than one hundred people attended, with morning tea provided.

The event was made possible through grant funding, allowing the celebration to be free for volunteers and

helping create an inclusive occasion focused on appreciation, connection, and recognition.

Celebrating volunteering in International Volunteer Year

The celebration also has particular significance in 2026, which has been declared International Volunteer Year by the United Nations.

Volunteering New Zealand says International Volunteer Year provides an opportunity to emphasise the power of volunteering, encourage greater investment in volunteering and strengthen the support available to volunteers.

For Nelson Tasman Hospice, the new DDC is a practical example of that investment – creating infrastructure that supports volunteers to continue making a significant contribution to their community.

Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand says, “We are pleased to support Nelson Tasman Hospice with a grant to help with the event. This International Volunteer Year, we are collaborating with volunteer involving organisations to support events which recognise and thank volunteers. Congratulations to Nelson Tasman Hospice on their new facility and for championing volunteer involvement.”

Nelson Tasman Hospice also used the event to encourage people who may be considering volunteering to find out more about the opportunities available across its retail network.

“Volunteering is an important part of the fabric of Hospice,” says Fiona.

“Whether someone has a few hours a week, a particular skill they can share, or simply wants to meet people and be part of something meaningful, there are many ways to get involved. We would love this celebration to inspire more people to discover the difference they can make.”

The new Donation & Distribution Centre is open from Monday 21st September, located at 1 Kotua Place, Wakatu Estate, Stoke. Open 7 days a week, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 2:30pm.

Can’t make it to us? Items too large to fit in the car? No problem! Give us a call and we can arrange a FREE collection – 03 927 6622

Interested in making a difference? We’d love to hear from you! We have a range of rewarding volunteer opportunities available. Contact us at volunteers@nelsonhospice.org.nz to find out how you can get involved.