Hands Up For Hospice

There can be huge benefits to a charity if a business were to include a small donation each time they make a sale.

By donating just 50c of each online & in-store item purchased for June & July 2023, New Zealand women’s fashion company Shine On donated an incredible $26,504.54 to Nelson Tasman Hospice.

It’s simple: sales fundraising is a form of charitable giving which happens when a business – small or large – raises money for a charity by donating a portion of the sales of a product or service. For example, 10% from the sale of a t-shirt or 10% from monthly invoices.

Shine On Limited is a New Zealand company that sells women’s fashion. Their values are encouraging kindness, happiness, confidence, and making a positive difference to others. Their ethos embraces using the power of their community to support deserving charities all over New Zealand. This year they have been focussing on Hospices all over the country.

June & July were the months dedicated to Nelson Tasman Hospice.

Shine On switched from instore only donations earlier in the year, to include online sales. As there is no physical store in the region, this made it easy for Nelson Tasman Hospice supporters to get behind the campaign. The donations increased exponentially.

We made sure to promote the offer on our Nelson Tasman Hospice social media channels. The team knew that high sales for Shine On would be a win-win including meaning a big donation to support our services. Needless to say, we were thrilled at the result.

Cliff Hopkins, Managing Director at Shine On, explains how easy and effective sales-related fundraising can be.

Shine On is an online women’s fashion company with 3 stores in Auckland and one in Christchurch. Our purpose is to help our customers look great and build self-confidence through fashion. One of the values that we hold as a team is giving back and we wanted to find a way to support Hospice. We decided that for every item we sell, we could spare 50c – this is something we talk about online and in our stores.

The great thing about it is that customers feel part of our giving back knowing that part of their purchase is going to a good cause. Although we do offer to match donations at checkout, giving a portion of each transaction or a percentage of sales is more effective. It’s something that we would encourage business to do to involve their customers in being part of giving back.

We think Hospice does an amazing job and is incredibly needed in the community. Unfortunately, it is not fully funded by the government so really needs our support.  Everyone either has or will be touched by the death of a loved one, and nothing can be more important than knowing they were greatly cared for by the amazing staff at Hospice.

By fundraising for charity through sales and turning the work already done into good, a company of any size can ensure they are making a difference.

Sales fundraising will strengthen customer engagement and increase business loyalty. If you would like to have a chat about how your organisation could use sales fundraising to support hospice contact Donna Ching-Tregidga, Head of Supporter Engagement and Income Development. We’d love to hear from you!

A heartfelt thank you to the Care Foundation for the recent grant to support our community to be as comfortable as possible in their homes.  The funding was for specialist equipment that Nelson Tasman Hospice provides free of charge to patients throughout the Nelson Tasman community.

The funding enabled us to purchase:

An Air Mattresses: $3,944

These state-of-the-art therapeutic mattresses are equipped with a patented automatic inflation pressure calculation system. They play a critical role in caring for patients at medium to high risk of pressure injuries.

A Transport Bed: $3,800

These specialist beds are designed to optimise patient comfort and facilitate their mobility in and out of bed. With electronic handsets allowing for easy adjustments to lower, rise, and fold, these beds ensure that patients can maintain their sense of familiarity, surrounded by their loved ones, while receiving the necessary care.

The Care Foundation raises and distributes funds to help deliver the best possible healthcare in the ‘Top of the South.’ The foundation works alongside Te Whatu Ora – Nelson Marlborough to identify and fund key health needs at both Wairau and Nelson hospitals and in the communities of the Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman Region.

At Nelson Tasman Hospice, we are dedicated to providing exceptional specialist palliative care services to individuals and their families during the most challenging times of their lives. With the Care Foundation’s generous support, we will be able to enhance the comfort and well-being of our patients, fostering an environment of compassion and dignity.

On behalf of the entire Nelson Tasman Hospice team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Care Foundation. Their belief in our mission and their commitment to improving healthcare in our region is truly invaluable.

When a vision meets determination and masses of community support, extraordinary things happen.  

On 10 June, supporters and colleagues stood at the entrance to Op Shop on Saxton, to witness the ribbon cutting of Nelson Tasman Hospices’ newest retail venture. This kind of operation doesn’t build itself, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible community support we’ve received.  

It all began with the vision to create a slightly different style of secondhand store with a fun, new vibe.

The location at Elms St had the team inspired, with a multiroom shop front offering treasure trove potential. It was with the support of the site landlord, Craig Chalmers, that we could start preparing the store for its facelift.  

Hayley, from Tizza Design, has always backed Nelson Tasman Hospice with her design finesse. The brief was “We want it to be different, funky and bold. A new brand, but with ties back to Hospice.” She enthusiastically jumped on board and designed the new look for our store. Then presented us with the new ‘Op Shop on Saxton’ branding. 

The fresh colour palette subtly connects to the brand colours of Nelson Tasman Hospice. Hayley mentioned this is achieved while “being stand-out and in line with a modern, trendy op shop aesthetic.”

With the desired look in mind and the motivation to bring it to life, our next step was to prepare the building for a fresh coat of paint.

Washrite generously offered their water blasting services at a discounted rate. This, along with a few volunteer working bees, the shop was ready for its facelift.  

Through Gibbons, we connected with the team at Guthrie Bowron. Guthrie Bowron generously provided the Dulux paint required to spruce up the building, free of charge. This included Dulux 1Step Prep, Dulux Wash and Wear, and Dulux Weathershield. The team at Guthrie Bowron nailed the colour matches, allowing us to freshen up the exterior and add the much-needed ‘pops’ of colour to the fixings inside.

Nayland Scaffold lent a hand by providing a scaffold. Signs on Time could then wrap the signage on the building and road signs. Paul from Signs on Time, at a discounted rate, did a fantastic job with the signs, massively supporting the project.  

The support didn’t stop at these noticeable and dramatic changes.

Local businesses also assisted in outfitting the shop with shelves, cupboards, safety gear, changing rooms, and a till. The Warehouse Richmond offered discounted shelving and the Point of Sale Company generously provided a discount on a new till for hospice. FFP contributed a free fire extinguisher for the building. 

Nelson Pine donated the necessary materials to construct new changing rooms and shelves, which were assembled by skilled volunteers. Thanks to their efforts, the shop is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. Plinths were created to conceal a flooring fault, and an unused door well hidden.  

Chris from Pro Switch turned on the lights for us, Tasman Lock n Safes are protecting the building from intruders. Alan Snowden from Betta Inspect It approved everyone’s hard work. 

As you can see, this truly was a community effort. A diverse range of local businesses got behind Nelson Tasman Hospice to open this new sustainable store.

The sales made at this ‘sustainable store’ promises to contribute significantly the $3.5m annual funding shortfall at Nelson Tasman Hospice. The term sustainable, ties in all functions of the charity store; reducing the amount of quality household items and clothing being sent to landfills, while providing vital income for our charitable organisation.  

Heartfelt thank you’s

Local Businesses 

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the local businesses that supported us. It is the community-minded individuals behind these businesses who form the backbone of a compassionate community. 

Your support has been invaluable in establishing the ‘Op Shop on Saxton’. With your belief in our mission, you have not only contributed to the creation of a thriving community hub but also empowered us to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. 

Dedicated Volunteers and Shop Colleagues 

A special appreciation goes out to our exceptional team of volunteers and shop colleagues. In addition to those who assisted in preparing the store for its opening day, we extend our gratitude to the commitment of over 20 new volunteers who have joined the Op Shop on Saxton team. Their selfless contribution of time plays a crucial role in providing hospice with nearly half of the $3.5 million yearly shortfall. 

A round of applause to our shop manager, Anete Smith, for the time and enthusiasm she invested in this project. Her visionary approach has truly transformed Op Shop on Saxton into the treasure trove it is today. 

We also want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of John Hopkins, our Retail Operations Manager, who played a significant role in the shop’s fit-out. John said, “I’m not the one who will make decisions about the aesthetics of the place, but I will make it happen.” And boy, he did.   

Donna Ching-Tregidga, the Head of Supporter Engagement and Income Development, has been leading the project from start to finish. With her unwavering determination and visionary approach, this venture will undoubtedly become a fundamental part of a lifelong legacy at Nelson Tasman Hospice. 

The Community 

To the locals who have supported our shop so far, we extend our heartfelt thanks for embracing our vision. You’ve attended fundraisers, put a coin in your local donation box, you’ve spread the word, and your enthusiasm has made this the success it is. The Op Shop on Saxton is a testament to the power of community support. We are honoured to be part of such a compassionate community. 

Generous Donors 

The contributions of generous donors are the lifeblood of our op shop. 

With your support, we were able to stock our shelves with a diverse range of quality items. This makes sure our customers can find hidden gems while supporting a good cause.

Whether you are shopping or donating your unused goods, your support enables patients at Nelson Tasman Hospice to live well and leave well. 

Reflecting on the incredible journey that led us to the opening of the Op Shop on Saxton, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support we have received. From the community to the volunteers, donors, local organisations, and customers, each one of you has played a vital role in making our dream a reality. Together, we have established a thriving space that promotes sustainability, community engagement, and social impact. 

The Dancing for a Cause Charitable Trust was thrilled to announce the total amount raised for Nelson Tasman Hospice from the 2023 NBS Dancing for a Cause event, at a celebration on Thursday evening. With unwavering support from the community, sponsors, and passionate participants, this year’s event has shattered all previous fundraising records, generating an incredible $440,000. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the compassionate community in our region, supporting the vital work of the Nelson Tasman Hospice. 

Those that attended NBS Dancing for a Cause this year were inspired as contestants shared their journey and gave it their all on 27 May at the Trafalgar Centre. The energy of the night was infectious, as the contestants and dancers had the audience completely captivated, with the full force of the support for the contestants radiating from all corners of the stadium.  

Among the outstanding dances, Ryan Edwards from Sport Tasman, along with his dance partner Hazel Adcock won over the judges with their Viennese Waltz and were crowned this year’s NBS Dancing for a Cause winner. The People’s Choice Award for the evening, determined through audience voting, was presented to Kat Campbell of KC & Co Real Estate and her dance partner Joel Scott, for dancing the Paso Doble.  

In addition to celebrating her exceptional waltz performance, Cheryl Candish, Head of English at Nelson College for Girls, was recognised for her exceptional dedication to fundraising. Cheryl raised an incredible $85,462.87 through raffles, donations, a ‘Paint & Sip’ event, a clothes swap, an 80s night, and an outstanding fundraising dinner ‘Star Talk for Hospice’ which raised $70,000.  

Cheryl commented “Having a great ‘Team Cheryl’ campaign manager was the key to my fundraising. Rebecca Byen worked tirelessly behind the scenes for every fundraiser we did. It also helped to know people who ‘knew people’ as well. Having good contacts made our biggest fundraiser, ‘Star Talk for Hospice’, the success it was. Coming up with interesting and original fundraising ideas that people want to come along to is also important.” 

When asked if Cheryl had any advice for 2025 contestants, she said “My advice for the next set of contestants would be to embrace the journey, have fun and be prepared to have some sleepless nights.  Make sure you have people around you that can support your fundraising efforts and probably most importantly, trust in the process. Emma, Sally, and the team know exactly what they’re doing.” 

The community at Nelson Tasman Hospice extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Dancing for a Cause Charitable Trust, to all participants, the volunteers, the sponsors, and those who attended, for making this event the overwhelming success it is. 

Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust Chair Emma Silke-French says she couldn’t be happier or more proud of the contestants, the dancers and the many supporters and people that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the 2023 event happen.  The night was a total dance spectacular and to know that all the hard work has resulted in this financial support for hospice services in our community is beyond rewarding.  

A big thank you to the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) for the contribution they make to local communities, and especially the contribution they have made to the community that we care for.

The grant that they have gifted us will go directly towards contributing to the salary of our SPCU Clinical Nurse Leader, Dominica Cresswell. As part of the Clinical Governance Group and team leader, Dominica works to increase the quality, accessibility, and reach of the hospice service. She works closely with the interdisciplinary team to meet patients’ holistic needs. As well as her work in the SPCU, Dominica is back studying this year completing post graduate papers in health management. “My role is to support the registered nurses and healthcare assistants to provide excellent quality, specialist palliative care, and to work alongside the interdisciplinary team which includes our allied health clinical team. Patients and whānau needs are so much more than the physical which is where the holistic care of Hospice is so powerful.” 

Dominica has extensive experience of excellent patient and whānau care including working as a registered nurse in intensive care units in Sydney Australia. After 10 years of doing this work, she returned to New Zealand knowing that she wanted to work in palliative care. 

Dominica first joined Hospice as a volunteer in 2014 before working in the SPCU as a registered nurse, Dominica then went on to work as the hospice palliative liaison to aged residential care. During this time, she also completed her master’s degree in nursing with Massey University, her research provided useful insights into her work today, “It gave me a good understanding of the provision of palliative care in residential aged care in New Zealand. It also showed me that we can develop rapport with someone very quickly and it is important to build those relationships of trust with a patient and their family very early on.” 

Most of what Dominica does today is working with the hospice team but she still loves the interaction with patients, “Without a doubt, it fills me up. I constantly wonder at the strength and dignity people demonstrate at the end of life and we get to see what is important to them; it makes me appreciate my family; I think I hold them that little bit closer.” 

The SPCU is a place for patients to receive symptom management, respite care, or end of life care when this cannot be managed in the community. Dominica says, “There is a lot of love here from patients, families, whānau, and team, and some precious moments of joy.”

Paul Matheson QSO JP, Funding Advisor New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) says that NZCT supports several hospices around the country, and this is the second time they have supported the Nelson Tasman Region Trust, with the first being for the building of the Nelson Tasman Hospice Inpatient Unit and HUB in Suffolk Road.  “It is NZCT’s pleasure to support Nelson Tasman Hospice Trust and we are looking forward to building a long-term relationship with the organisation.” 

We acknowledge that it takes a community to make a Hospice happen. Thank you NZCT for being part of a compassionate community and empowering Nelson Tasman Hospice to care for our community. 

Community grants are integral to the sustainability of our Hospice; if you know of any Trusts or Foundations that may consider supporting our essential service work please let us know.

The Golden Bay Lions Club was chartered in 1964 and has been helping locals ever since! Donating $2850 to Nelson Tasman Hospice to purchase a syringe driver, is just the latest way they have supported Golden Bay residents.

A syringe driver is a small, battery-powered pump that delivers medication from a syringe at a constant rate throughout the day and night. This ensures that people can self-manage their pain medication, providing fast pain relief as required. Although syringe drivers can be useful at different times, they are often used in the last few days and weeks of a person’s life. When someone is close to death, they often stop being able to swallow medicines, or their body stops being able to absorb them properly. A syringe driver is often the best way to give them medicines to help them feel more comfortable.

The Golden Bay Lions Club currently have 30 members and hold a variety of fundraising events each year. For example, cutting firewood for raffles, pickling 350 – 400kgs of onions each year, selling new potatoes around Christmas, selling sheep poo for fertiliser and recently they have also started hosting bingo nights. The group get together for a good cause but also enjoy the camaraderie.

Julie Langford, President, who has been a member of the club for 18 years, and Pam Gardiner, Secretary, who has been a member for 16 years, were interviewed for this article. They both said that while they have a good balance of male & female members, it would be nice to have a few new younger members join who might be able to help with some of the more physical tasks such as the firewood chopping.

Julie and Pam are passionate about helping those in need in the community and the Golden Bay Lions help numerous organisations, groups and individuals as well as helping to fund students wishing to gain a range of experiences or further education. When Pam noticed the syringe driver for Golden Bay listed in the latest hospice newsletter, she brought it to the attention of the committee and they moved at their last meeting to fund the device.

The Golden Bay Lions fundraised for a specialised air mattress in 2021 to be used in Golden Bay for palliative care patients and were touched to receive a letter from the wife of a patient thanking them for the difference this made to their loved one’s last days.

Pam, as well as being part of the Lions, also volunteers and works at the Hospice Shop in Tākaka and experienced first-hand the service when her mother died in Hospice care about 14 years ago. Pam remembers being amazed at the seamless transition between care from the Hospice team over the hill in Richmond where she was being cared for in her own home, to Golden Bay when her mum was being looked after at Pam’s place. “I just know the worth of Hospice. We really appreciated the help here and there.”

Golden Bay Community Health (GBCH) as lead provider, in collaboration with Nelson Tasman Hospice, have 37 points of contact with Golden Bay residents, and their families, who are receiving in-home palliative care every month.

Nelson Tasman Hospice services provided are free, however only 45% of operating costs are funded by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand | Nelson Marlborough. This leaves 55%, or $3.5 million of fundraising each year. The GBCH nursing team has identified some equipment that is urgently required for patients on Hospice services, to supplement what is already available. This equipment includes a syringe driver and a medical transport bed (for in home care). The cost for this equipment will be circa $7,000. Any additional funds raised will go back in to supporting the funding shortfall we have for Hospice services in the community.

There is currently a fundraising drive on in Golden Bay to raise funds to purchase this equipment, details on how to donate can be found at the end of this article.

Lions Clubs International have the mission to serve. Their clubs are places where individuals join together to give their valuable time and effort to improving their communities, and the world. Julie, Pam and all of the club members demonstrate this in their commitment to Golden Bay and the people that call it home. Nelson Tasman Hospice are thankful for the support given by this amazing group of people and that the Golden Bay Lions are part of our compassionate community, giving locals the tools to live well until they leave well.

How you can donate:

– Pop into one of the following businesses to leave your donation in one of the donation boxes

NBS Takaka
Hammer Hardware
Tākaka Hospice Shop
Golden Bay Pharmacy
TradeZone
Tinky’s Tavern – Collingwood
The Pohara General Store
The Wholemeal Café
Molly B’s
Fresh Choice

– Donate online and reference “Golden Bay” when making your donation

The Hospice philosophy of care is a model that provides palliative care for people of all ages facing a life-limiting condition. It is the provision of caring, dignified support and services which allows individuals to live the way they want in the time they have left. Hospice also works with families/whānau and caregivers to support the patient, while taking care of themselves.

Golden Bay Community Health (GBCH) as lead provider, in collaboration with Nelson Tasman Hospice, have 37 points of contact with Golden Bay residents, and their families, who are receiving in-home palliative care every month.

Pete Greer’s partner Kris Campbell died at their Onekaka home in December 2021. He told us about their involvement with GBCH and Nelson Tasman Hospice.

“Our experience with the local nursing staff and with the Hospice doctor was truly wonderful.  Honesty, compassion, wisdom and gentle humour are some words that spring to mind.

Nursing equipment that miraculously appeared, enough to furnish a mini ward, made caring for Kris so much easier. All came from Hospice.

We got to the stage of eagerly awaiting nurse Monika’s visits and truly appreciated the support and direction she gave us.”

Nelson Tasman Hospice services provided are free, however only 45% of operating costs are funded by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand | Nelson Marlborough. This leaves 55%, or $3.5 million of fundraising each year. With this in mind, Pete decided to ask for donations in lieu of flowers at Kris’s funeral “Our target was to purchase a light wheelchair. Two were purchased!” These wheelchairs have been in use in Golden Bay ever since.

There is limited equipment available in the Bay, which is delivered by hospice volunteer, John Campbell, to people’s homes. The GBCH nursing team has identified some equipment that is urgently required for patients on hospice services, to supplement what is already available. This equipment includes a syringe driver (meaning that people can self-manage their pain medication, providing fast pain relief as required) and a medical transport bed (for in home care). The cost for this equipment will be circa $7,000. Any additional funds raised will go back in to supporting the funding shortfall we have for hospice services in the community. When we mentioned this need to Pete he immediately topped up the remining money in the ‘Kris Campbell Memorial Fund’ to $1000, to kickstart this fundraising in Golden Bay.

TradeZone & Waitapu Engineering have come on board with a $1000 donation and the Golden Bay Lions have also donated $2850 to the cause.

Keep an eye out on social media, and www.nelsonhospice.org.nz, over the coming weeks for stories about Golden Bay locals and their connection with Hospice.

The question now is, will you donate over the next 3 weeks to this appeal to help Golden Bay locals live well, until they leave well?

How you can donate:

– TradeZone & Waitapu Engineering will be holding a sausage sizzle at the Village Market tomorrow,  15^th of April with all proceeds going to the cause, buy a sausage & leave a donation in the bucket!

– Pop into one of the following businesses to leave your donation in one of the donation boxes

NBS Takaka
Hammer Hardware
Tākaka Hospice Shop
Golden Bay Pharmacy
TradeZone
Tinky’s Tavern – Collingwood
The Pohara General Store
The Wholemeal Café
Molly B’s
Fresh Choice

– Donate online and reference “Golden Bay” when making your donation

John Campbell has been volunteering for Nelson Tasman Hospice for 16 years now, delivering beds and air mattresses all over Golden Bay. He can’t remember how he got started but he’s pretty sure that his wife Karen, who was a district nurse (DN) for years, would have had something to do with it. “More than likely, it would have been, you know, you’ve got a van… and I was very pleased to help.”

John headed over the hill for volunteer and bed-handling training with the facilities manager at Nelson Tasman Hospice and has been helping local families ever since.

“I was initially a bit worried. How do I deal with people who are in one of the most difficult times of their life? You know the wife or the husbands, they know what’s around the corner – that there’s going to be a death. But people have always been so reassured by the help and grateful. You go in there and the Occupational Therapist’s been and there’s all this gear the family need that’s been supplied. The DNs are visiting too, every second, or every day, and of course, they’ve got halos – they’re up there with the angels, so delivering the bed is never a difficult task. You go in and show them how the bed works, and I’ll often take an air mattress in, which is installed by the DNs the following day. It’s such a good team.”

The teamwork that happens in rural areas across New Zealand is one that we often take for granted, but it’s something that doesn’t just happen. In Golden Bay palliative care is provided by Golden Bay Community Health (GBCH) as the lead provider, in collaboration with Nelson Tasman Hospice. In cases like the one above the Occupational Therapist and DN are part of the local GBCH team and along with the local GPs are actively supported with specialist clinical oversight provided by the Nelson Tasman Hospice team; meaning that each palliative patient and whānau in Golden Bay have a team of support people by their side. Patients are also visited by a Hospice specialist palliative care doctor in their homes and the specialist equipment, such as the bed and air mattress, is managed and maintained by Nelson Tasman Hospice.  In addition, if required, Golden Bay patients have access to the Specialist Palliative Care Unit (SPCU) on Suffolk Road in Stoke, Nelson.

There’s definitely the feeling of being part of the team. John says that by the time he is part of the proceedings, “There’s already this whole vibe going. Like the hospital nurses, DNs, doctors, specialists from over the hill, and all kinds of people that have been involved. Always family members around, and then I bring the bed. You know, I can understand what a help it is. Just such a little thing like having a specialist bed here. It’s comfortable. You know, save them regularly hurting their back shifting a person around and getting grumpy.”

John enjoys knowing that when he delivers a bed it really makes a difference to the quality of life of the patient, and that of their loved ones who are caring for them in their homes.

“The difference it makes to a person who’s unwell and stressed and worried. They can lie in this bed that’s comfortable, and they don’t have to ask to be turned over or lifted or anything like that. They can do it all themselves. The bed can be moved around out to the window to look out at Collingwood or wherever they are, with a bit of luck. And when the time comes, I just get a message to say could I pick the bed up, at that point I know they don’t want to see it anymore. So, I’m very happy to take it away.”

The amount of time the role takes is minimal, it is consistent, but John says it just ticks along. He is contacted whenever a bed is required and then drives to the hospital to collect the equipment with his van. Each bed is in 17 pieces, so the training given by the team in Nelson is vital. “It’s like having a Meccano set of your own – you get all these bits and pieces and then how to fit it into your own van, which is a bit of a struggle.” But after 16 years, he’s now got it down to fine art.

Nelson Tasman Hospice services provided are free, however, only 45% of operating costs are funded by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand | Nelson Marlborough. This leaves 55% or $3.5 million of fundraising each year. The GBCH nursing team has identified some equipment that is urgently required for patients on hospice services, to supplement what is already available. This equipment includes a syringe driver (meaning that people can self-manage their pain medication, providing fast pain relief as required) and a medical transport bed (for in-home care). The cost for this equipment will be circa $7,000. Any additional funds raised will go back into supporting the funding shortfall we have for hospice services in the community.

There is currently a fundraising drive in Golden Bay to see whether the money can be raised to purchase this equipment, details on how to donate can be found at the end of this article.

Especially in Golden Bay, often people live in lovely places and John sets the bed up somewhere where people are part of the comings and goings and everyday life. The bed is mobile so can be easily moved to catch the sun or look out over the view. Truly, a practical way to support people to live well, until they leave well.

Nelson Tasman Hospice would love to hear from anyone in Golden Bay that might be interested in assisting deliver beds & air mattresses as a relief person when John may be away. Full training would be provided, but you would need to have your own van for transport.  For further information contact our Volunteer Programme Manager, Krisca Gould on 03 546 3912 or Krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz

How you can donate:

– Pop into one of the following businesses to leave your donation in one of the donation boxes

NBS Takaka
Hammer Hardware
Tākaka Hospice Shop
Golden Bay Pharmacy
TradeZone
Tinky’s Tavern – Collingwood
The Pohara General Store
The Wholemeal Café
Molly B’s
Fresh Choice

– Donate online and reference “Golden Bay” when making your donation

“Get out there. Do it!” is what Sam Nicholls told us when he was asked what he would like others to know about volunteering for Nelson Tasman Hospice. We recently met with Sam and his grandparents Jenny & Malcolm Reid who also volunteer for Nelson Tasman Hospice to find out why they choose to give their time to hospice. 

Jenny and Malcolm started volunteering for Nelson Tasman Hospice in 2011. Jenny’s Mum and Dad both had access to hospice services in Motueka when they died in 2007 and 2010, respectively. When the Reid’s were sent a pamphlet asking for volunteers for raffles Jenny says “We’ve done a lot on school committees and all that. So, we went to Mary (Garner, Nelson Tasman Hospice Volunteer Coordinator) and from then on, we’ve just done it.” They sell raffle tickets outside Nelson City New World for two hours, once a month, with all proceeds coming to the Hospice, and every December they give time to fundraise with Trees of Remembrance.  

Jenny says that the Hospice care her parents received was brilliant, and they were so thankful that both of her parents were able to die in their own home. “The empathy the staff show towards people, it’s unparalleled. It’s just really lovely.” Malcolm says as he remembers having to phone Hospice one night at 2am with an issue and being told to put the outside light on and someone would be there as soon as possible. “And sure enough, in next to no time the nurse was there. They fixed it up, made sure Dad was comfortable, then told us to put the kettle on and sat with us to have a cup of tea.”  

After experiencing the care that they did, it was an easy decision for them to volunteer some of their time. As Malcolm says, “Pensioners don’t have any money, but they’ve got time. And time is valuable to an organisation like yours.” In fact, our volunteers donated an incredible total of over 40,000 hours in the last financial year.  

Sam remembers his great grandparents being in Hospice care, as well as his ex-mother-in-law dying in the Specialist Palliative Care Unit (SPCU) at Suffolk Road four years ago. He says that the care given in both experiences was just amazing. He has volunteered on the Dancing for a Cause Trust for the past 6 years as the Production Manager, pulling together the whole show and making sure it all goes smoothly on the big night. Dancing for a Cause is the major fundraiser for Nelson Tasman Hospice, happening biannually, with the event happening again this year on the 27th of May. The last event in 2021, raised a whopping $248,000!

This past Christmas Sam also decorated his house with lights as part of the Nelson Tasman Christmas Lights and asked for donations for Hospice from the people going through the property. His 5-year-old son, Seth, was very happy to help, kicking off his volunteering service early.  

“I watched Hospice with my great grandparents, and Seth’s nana, and you were so amazing. So, I felt that giving something back would be the right thing to do.” Sam says that he thinks it is important for people to know that they can help Hospice by volunteering. It doesn’t have to be a cash donation, there are so many ways to help “behind the scenes.” When asked why he thinks that about 85% of our volunteers are female, he thinks it is just that people just aren’t aware that we need the help.  

Volunteers enhance hospice services in so many ways. Along with their time comes the skills and knowledge that adds additional value to Nelson Tasman Hospice across the region. Our 500+ volunteers work in a variety of roles from volunteering with patients, to task-oriented jobs, to those raising the necessary funds to help bridge the gap with our annual shortfall of $3.5 million.  

“We find it’s good for us because it gets us out of the house. And it’s something we can do together.” Malcolm says.

Hospice isn’t the only organisation this family volunteers for. Malcolm and Jenny give their time to two other charities. Sam’s father also volunteers for two different local organisations, and his brother has helped with Dancing for a Cause in the past too. This family obviously have a strong volunteering gene, which we are very thankful for! 

Every year, pandemics permitting, Nelson Tasman Hospice holds a Volunteer Garden Party as a way to say Thank You to the more than 500 volunteers who give their time and expertise to the organisation. Volunteers are presented with long service awards and are hand served refreshments by Hospice staff to show our appreciation for all that they do.

We had a beautiful afternoon for the garden party last week with over 130 volunteers attending the event. 65 volunteers received their 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 year, long-service awards. The garden party was held in the front garden of Nelson Tasman Hospice at Suffolk Road.

Volunteers enhance hospice services in so many ways. Along with their time comes the skills and knowledge that adds additional value to Nelson Tasman Hospice across the region. Our volunteers work in a variety of roles from volunteering with patients, to task-oriented jobs, to those raising the necessary funds to help bridge the gap with our annual shortfall of $3.5 million.

Throughout the year volunteers are invited to coffee mornings and other small events with the other volunteers doing the same types of roles, but this Annual Volunteer Garden Party is the only time where all of the volunteers have the chance to come together in one place.

We genuinely appreciate the gift of time and talent from all Hospice volunteers. It is a privilege to have such a willing and dedicated team.

A special mention and Thank You to NBS, the major sponsor of the Garden Party.

We had support from 3T’s catering, Continental Event Hire, Gravity Events, and Name Plate Engravers. The Nelson Guild of Woodworkers supplied us with beautiful cheeseboards for 20+ years recipients.

Also, a big thank you to David Chadwick photography for again supporting the event.

Click here to head over to Facebook to see more photos!

Introducing Emma Silke-French, Chair of Dancing For a Cause Trust Committee.

What are you most excited about for event night on the 27th of May 2023?

I LOVE watching all the contestants finally get to show their friends and family what they have spent months working so hard on. I always have a little tear in my eye watching them; a proud teacher moment for sure.

Often, we have been through a lot of emotions in the process, so watching them give it everything on the dance floor is very special.

During the 2 years of build-up there is so much planning that goes into putting this show on. Show day gives us a massive sense of pride in our work.

This year’s event is bigger than ever with ten contestants instead of eight. What advice can you give to the 2023 contestants?

Always to enjoy the process, listen to your dance teachers and make sure you are present for the

big night because it goes by in a flash. While dancing in front of so many people can be scary I can guarantee you will come off the dancefloor wanting to do it all over again!

Why are the volunteers who form the Dancing For a Cause Trust so committed to what they do?

Like most people, we all have a ‘Hospice Story’ that we hold near and dear to our hearts. We know what an amazing organisation Hospice is, and this makes us want to go that extra mile to show our support.

How can the Nelson Tasman community get involved?

There are many ways you can get involved. You can donate to your favourite contestant or buy a ticket to the show. Both are on our website; www.dancingforacause.co.nz. You can also help in person. We are always looking for volunteers to help set up the Trafalgar Center or take it all down after. If this sounds like you, contact us and we will put you to work. Finally, you can donate prizes for raffles or goods/services for our online auction.

Introducing Dr Juliet Fleming, Senior Medical Officer at Nelson Tasman Hospice and 2023 Dancing For a Cause contestant ‘Doc on the Dance Floor’

What myth about Nelson Tasman Hospice that I would like to dispel? 

Although people do die in the hospice, most come in for a ‘sort out’ or ‘tune up’ and then go home again where they receive ongoing support from the Hospice Community Team. Some may come back again, even a few times and yes, sometimes people stay until the end of their lives but being admitted to the hospice is not only about coming to die.

What made you want to be a contestant at this year’s Dancing For a Cause?

The main reason I have put myself forward as a contestant is simple – it is for our patients and whanau; past, present and future. Also, to represent and, in appreciation of, my colleagues over the years. I hope it will bring joy (and probably laughter!) to us all. Having experienced the value of hospice services for members of my own family, this has spurred me on to ensure that everyone can access these services when they are needed.

I have been exceptionally lucky to have a career that I have loved and still feel passionate about and I know the financial pressures involved to continue this service into the future.

What have I enjoyed about raising funds?

It has been good to get out into the community with my colleagues to talk about everything hospice at various markets and special events from Takaka to Murchison.

Given that I am testing myself with my dancing abilities (none currently!), I have relished the challenge of making as much as I can for a cause that is my life’s work. I have certainly developed an appreciation for people who sell raffle tickets!

What are you most excited for about the event in May?

I am hoping to do my Mum proud.

If you’d like to support Emma, Juliet and the rest of the Dancing for a Cause team, head on over to www.dancingforacause.co.nz 

Hospices across the country have been overwhelmed by the generous support of Farmers stores and customers in the lead up to Christmas. The annual Farmers Christmas Campaign has raised over $905,000 for hospices this year of which $32,760.21 was raised right here by Farmers Nelson & Farmers Richmond Mall.

Over 15,000 limited edition Christmas baubles were sold nationwide, with Farmers donating the full $10 from every purchase. Farmers customers were also able to donate via a ‘Tree of Remembrance’ placed in each store, with 100% of the donations from your local store going to your local hospice.

Running concurrently with the Farmers Campaign, was the Community Trees of Remembrance Campaign, which was run entirely by volunteers supporting Nelson Tasman Hospice in five locations across the region bringing the grand total raised in Nelson Tasman to $42,435.21 which will make a significant impact locally.

The team of approximately 190 volunteers including members of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, Inner Wheel Club in Stoke and the Lions Club Richmond, staffed stalls at locations in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond, Mapua & Motueka offering locals an opportunity to support Nelson Tasman Hospice and to also take time to remember and honour a loved one who is no longer there to share Christmas with family and friends.

 “For the people of Nelson and Tasman the donation of $42,435.21 will enable Nelson Tasman Hospice to continue to provide free specialist palliative care to around 240 patients and their whānau each month throughout the region.

Once again Farmers staff and our huge team of volunteers, have been incredible ambassadors for Nelson Tasman Hospice, not only helping to raise funds, but also helping the community to better understand the work we do.

Now in its ninth year, the Farmers Christmas Campaign has raised in full nearly $7M in New Zealand, helping to ensure anyone with a life-limiting illness can access hospice care, so they can live life well until the end.

The awareness raising that comes from partnering with Farmers is invaluable. The enthusiasm and commitment from all staff, volunteers and the people of Farmers Richmond Mall & Farmers Nelson have contributed to this amazing result, thank you so much” – Tony Gray, Nelson Tasman Hospice Chief Executive

The many tags honouring peoples loved ones, from all the trees, have been collected and will be blessed at a special service in a few weeks, cremated and then the ashes will be spread in the hospice gardens.